Why Sibindi left Bulawayo Chiefs

Sports Reporter

FOOTBALL coach and academic, Joseph Sibindi, has left his position as head coach of Bulawayo Chiefs FC after three defeats on the trot.

Chiefs’ owner, Lovemore Sibanda, said that the departure was voluntary, not due to a firing.

“We did not fire Sibindi. The departure was his decision. I wanted him to carry on, we believed in his vision and we thought we could get somewhere with the project with someone like him,” said the soft-spoken Sibanda.

Chiefs had brought in Johanisi Nhumwa to be Sibindi’s assistant with the intention of elevating Sibindi to technical manager in charge of overall technical issues from juniors to the first team, but he declined.

After Sibindi’s departure, Nhumwa was introduced as head coach, with Shadreck Mlauzi appointed as his assistant.

Nhumwa has presided over two matches losing on penalties to Bosso in the Chibuku Super Cup and earning a draw in a league match against ZPC Kariba at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.

Sibindi replaced Lizwe Sweswe, who joined Sheasham two months ago.

He also confirmed yesterday that he had left voluntarily.

“I was not fired, the boss still wanted me on his project. He thought we could do something together, but I thought perhaps giving the reins to a different set of hands would work the magic.

“The director was very positive with me and the project he wanted us to do,” said Sibindi, a sports scientist at the National University of Science and Technology where he has earned the title ‘Doctor’ after years of practice and research.

Sibindi refused to confirm his next destination.

“I have always had my NUST football project. I am on it. I can’t say anything about elsewhere, except to say Bulawayo Chiefs have a decent crop of players that I am sure will not be relegated,” said Sibindi.

His NUST team plays in the Bulawayo Division Two League.