SEVERAL names are trying their luck at Highlanders’ technical appointments amid reports the Bulawayo giants are courting back goalkeepers’ coach Tembo “Chokry” Chuma.
FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER Chuma joined ZPC Kariba at the beginning of the season after Bosso indicated they would not be renewing his contract opting for legend Peter “Oxo” Nkomo, who bounced back from FC Platinum.
Newly-appointed head coach Bongani Mafu has since identified his assistants and met with the Bosso executive committee, which has indicated that despite Mafu being involved in the selection of his lieutenants, they would have the final say on who would get the jobs.
With Bosso due to announce the backroom staff next week, quite a number of names have been thrown around with sources saying former players were pushing for former skipper Dazzy Kapenya to assist Mafu.
Former players have also reportedly dissuaded Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda from challenging Peter Dube in the upcoming general election and want him as manager.
“Chokry could bounce back,” a source said.
“The only stumbling block is his contract was not renewed together with that of Super (Bekithemba Ndlovu) and there will be some serious negotiations, but they want him back. Former players, who have an influence, are pushing to have Dazzy (Kapenya) as assistant coach and Maphepha manager.
“The former players are saying Maphepha should not contest for the chairman’s post.”
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Fomer ZPC Kariba manager Partson Ndabambi has been in Bulawayo for some time and is reportedly eyeing the manager position.
Ndlovu is said to be eyeing a return as assistant to Mafu while Bantu Rovers associate coach Mandla Mpofu, who had been tipped for the top job, could come in as assistant.
Sources said there would be no full-time fitness trainer next year, a position that was held by Majaha Ndlovu.
All Highlanders backroom staff, save for kit manager Vezigama Dlodlo and the medical team, were a few weeks ago handed letters reminding them that their contracts were expiring at the end of the year.
Mark Mathe, who headed the technical department after the departure of Zambian Kelvin Kaindu, Nkomo and manager Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo were told to reapply if they still wanted to be part of Highlanders.
Veteran coach Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu was roped in to assist until the end of the season after Kaindu quit.
When Mafu was unveiled as the new Bosso head coach last week on Tuesday, chairman Dube confirmed the former Zimbabwe Saints coach would be involved in coming up with his assistants.
“The jurisdiction (of appointing) rests with the club, but he (Mafu) will be involved. His assistants will be announced in the first week of January,” Dube said.
Mafu penned a one-year deal with Highlanders and expectations are high that he would bring back Bosso’s glory days.
The renewal of his contract is subject to how he will perform in the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
