Tension is mounting at beleaguered Zimbabwe Saints amid revelations head coach Ephraim Chawanda and his assistant Admore Sibanda, nearly exchanged blows during training at their clubhouse in Queens Park East on Tuesday.
Sources yesterday told NewsDay Sport Chawanda and Sibanda have not been in good books.
On Wednesday they almost traded blows before they were restrained by goalkeepers coach Jonathan Chikaponya.
“There was almost a fight between the two coaches yesterday at training, but before anything could happen, Chikaponya intervened. It was really tense. I understand they have not been in good relations since the game against Monomotapa and things got worse in Mutare. Chawanda has been accusing Sibanda of giving false information about him to a member of the executive. I hear Chawanda could have been fired, but find out from the Saints guys. They should know better,” the source said.
The source indicated there was division in the Chikwata executive over Chawanda remaining head coach with some members allegedly interfering with the technical team.
Chawanda on Wednesday admitted there was a misunderstanding at training on Tuesday and he was not in a good working relationship with his assistant, but could not be drawn to shed light on the details of the fall out with his lieutenant.
“I was insulted and I reacted. It was a moment of madness, but there was no fight. There has been a lot going on, but I am waiting for the executive to call us so that that we can iron out issues. There is a game to be played in the afternoon (yesterday) and we will be together on the bench,” Chawanda said. Sibanda also confirmed that there was a misunderstanding.
“There was just a misunderstanding. We did not fight. It happens in all homes, but we understood each other,” Sibanda said.
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Saints secretary-general Caleb Sengu said he met with Chawanda on Tuesday and briefed him about the incident, but he played down the issue.
“He told me there was a misunderstanding and I didn’t know that it could have been a big issue. Look, we are only left with three matches and there is nothing bigger than that. We should be working on winning those three matches. Since they returned from Mutare, we have not met as an executive. After today’s (yesterday’s) game, we will meet and come up with a position. Right now we are just preparing for the game,” Sengu said.
