SHABANIE MINE Football Club have moved quickly to replace Luke Masomere by appointing John Phiri as their new head coach.
EPHRAIM SHOKO/ MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
Phiri, who has played for and coached Shabanie Mine before, joins his former club from Zifa Central Soccer League side Town United which he helped finish on 2nd position on the log in the just ended season.
Shabani Mine vice-chairperson Fidelis Chimedza confirmed Phiri’s return at the helm.
“Yes, I do confirm that we have brought in John as our head coach. We reached an oral agreement with him and he has expressed willingness to work with us. Right now, we are working on the paper work so that we can then sign a contract with him,” Chimedza said.
Phiri also confirmed joining his former club, saying it was a big opportunity for him to coach a Premier League club like Shabanie Mine.
“When they approached me, I quickly agreed because you don’t find opportunities like these often. When I was in Beitbridge, my dream was to coach Premiership football and that dream has been fulfilled,” he said
Phiri proved his pedigree last season when he helped Town United finish as runners-up to Chapungu after assuming the reins at the Beitbridge side in Week 11 when they were on 10th position.
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The much-travelled gaffer was in charge at the asbestos miners when they won promotion to play top-flight football in 2009.
After guiding the asbestos miners to Premiership berth, Phiri moved to neighbours FC Platinum where he coached the Under-19 side in the Zifa Central Soccer League before he severed ties with the platinum miners to join Town United last season.
Phiri’s immediate task on his return will be to retain the bulk of first team players who are reported to be on their way out of the club.
The club is likely to lose their entire attacking talent with Tarisai Rukanda having already moved to join cross town rivals FC Platinum, while fellow forward Pervington Zimunya is on his way out to join former boss Masomere at Buffaloes.
