HIGHLANDERS coach Kevin Kaindu could be on his way out of the club as Bosso embark on a major technical team shake-up ahead of the upcoming Premier Soccer League season.
Report By SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA Sports Reporter
Sources privy to the goings-on at the club yesterday said the Zambian coach’s future was uncertain due to his alleged links with previous club chairman Themba Ndlela.
Former coach Mkhuphali Masuku, who was unceremoniously sacked at the start of last season, is said to be on his way back with negotiations believed to be at an advanced stage.
“Kaindu might not be coming back to Highlanders. He was appointed as head coach by the Ndlela-led executive. Current chairman Peter Dube wants to appoint his own coaches,” said the source.
The latest development comes a few days after another report claimed that assistant coach Bhekithemba Ndlovu and a number of technical members were also believed to be sitting in the departure lounge for similar reasons.
Highlanders manager Amin Soma-Phiri, team doctor Xolani Ndlovu and physiotherapist Loyal Nyika have also reportedly fallen out of favour with the executive and are heading for the exit door.
Contacted for comment on the rumoured shake-ups, Highlanders chairman Peter Dube fumed: “How can you ask that question? How can you say we don’t want to work with them when we have been working with them the whole year? I will not dignify your story by responding to that.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Manager Soma-Phiri told our sister publication The Standard last week that his future at Highlanders was uncertain.
Dube took over the reins as Highlanders chairman after he garnered 184 votes shrugging off a challenge from Ndlela who got 143 votes in the elections that were held earlier this year.
Kaindu, who has been on a two-year contract, guided Highlanders to one of their best performances in the 2012 season after woeful displays in recent years.
They went 23 matches unbeaten, but lost the title to eventual winners Dynamos on goal difference.
However, despite the impressive record by the Zambian gaffer, another source yesterday said some members of the current Highlanders executive still felt he was not the right man for the job.
Meanwhile, the technical bench shake-up might see the return of some of Highlanders’ trusted sons with former midfield general Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo leading the pack.
Mashinkila-Khumalo, who has coached in neighbouring Botswana and other local clubs, is tipped to be appointed to the technical set-up as assistant or team manager.
Juniors coach Dumaza Dube has not been left out of the puzzle that is set to lead Highlanders next season.
