×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

I owe it to Caps Utd: Mangwiro

Sport
TAURAI Mangwiro says he remains indebted to Caps United Football Club for rescuing his coaching career from the Asiagate match-fixing catastrophe

TAURAI Mangwiro says he remains indebted to Caps United Football Club for rescuing his coaching career from the Asiagate match-fixing catastrophe which consumed and destroyed a number of football personalities in Zimbabwe.

TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Mangwiro made the remarks yesterday soon after being unveiled as head coach of rivals Harare City in a major restructuring exercise at the club which also saw former Dynamos coach Elvis Chiweshe being roped in.

The ambitious Harare side also rolled out a junior development project with a complete technical team of big names.

Mangwiro penned, what sources yesterday described as a very lucrative three-year deal with the Sunshine Boys, but in his moment of delight, he was quick to recognise his former paymasters.

The Masvingo-born gaffer, who resigned from Caps United last week, was last year banned from all football activities by Zifa for his alleged involvement in the Asiagate match-fixing scandal.

However, Caps United stood by him with one of the directors, Farai Jere, reportedly chipping in to pay the $6 000 appeals fee.

He eventually bounced back after he was acquitted and went on to coach the Green Machine until last week.

“If there is a team that I am indebted to, it is Caps United. They rescued me from Asiagate. They brought me back into football and this is why I am here. I am also proud to have worked with one of the biggest brands in the country. Leaving Caps United was not an easy decision to make,” Mangwiro said.

In his technical team, Mangwiro has kept and recalled some of his trusted lieutenants.

Mkuphali Masuku, whom he worked with at Caps United, has bounced back as one of his assistant coaches. Masuku, who made his name as a defender at Highlanders, was unveiled as assistant coach responsible for defence, while Mike Madzivanyika, who resigned together with Mangwiro at Caps United, was appointed attacking coach in a refreshing approach to the technical team set-up by City.

Witness Mnkuli, who retained his post as the team’s goalkeepers’ coach, completes the senior team’s technical bench.

The Harare City Council-sponsored club also unveiled an ambitious junior development project as they look to build a strong side for the future. Masimba Dinyero, who was City’s interim coach and rescued the side from relegation last season, has been redeployed and is now the juniors’ coach responsible for talent scouting.

Richard Tswatswa, a former national team coach and Mangwiro’s assistant, is the junior goalkeepers’ coach, while David George, who was in the team’s technical set-up last season, was given the director of junior development post.

Chiweshe was appointed coach responsible for the club’s football academy. Mangwiro expressed delight on his new job.

He said he did not choose Harare City because of the lure of big moneys, but because of the stability which prevails at the club.

A source revealed as part of his contract, Mangwiro received two residential and a commercial stand.

“I chose Harare City not because of money. If there was an award for peace and tranquillity, Harare City would win. After the turbulence I went through at Caps United, I thought I deserved some peace. I wouldn’t want to take anything away from Caps. It wasn’t an easy to walk away from Caps United. I just felt it was time for me to leave,” said Mangwiro.

Mangwiro has vowed to improve City’s fortunes after the team escaped relegation on the last day of the season in the just-ended campaign.

In the previous season, City lost the championship to Dynamos on goal difference.

“It’s a challenge to coach Harare City. Last year they lost the championship on goal difference. This year they did not have a good start, but with the technical team which I have rolled out I think we will be able to achieve if we work hard. I am not one who feels threatened. I look at them as colleagues because we are not in competition,” said Mangwiro.

Harare City club secretary Mathew Marara said they had set Mangwiro a target of a top-six finish.

“They have signed performance-related contracts and we have set the senior team a target of a top-six finish. This is a complete set of technical team. We want our coaches to be the best in terms of qualifications and five years later we should be able to compete with the best. After this unveiling we are going to send Masimba Dinyero to a Caf B coaching course,” said Marara.

Mangwiro’s move to City could be a huge blow to Dynamos who had reportedly lined him up to replace the want-away Kalisto Pasuwa. Pasuwa has announced that he would not be renewing his contract which expires on December 31, and the club is currently scouting for a new coach.

Mangwiro’s career highlights 2004-5: Assistant coach to Saul Chaminuka (Gutu Leopards) 2006-8: Assistant coach to Luke Masomere (Masvingo) 2008: Assistant coach to Saul Chaminuka and Brenna Msiska and head coach (Eastern Lions) 2009-12: Assistant coach to Rodwell Dhlakama and head coach (Monomotapa) 2012-14: Head coach (Caps United)