Castle Lager Premier Soccer League footballl giants Highlanders have given Dutch coach Erol Akbay a two-year performance-based contract.
BY FORTUNE MBELE
Akbay, whose target is to lead Bosso to the league title, is still in his home country awaiting the processing of his work permit.
Highlanders’ chairman Peter Dube announced at the club’s annual general meeting that the club had agreed on a two-year deal with Akbay subject to the issuance of a work permit.
He said the new Bosso gaffer will resume his duties once he gets permission from the immigration office.
“Akbay’s contract is for two years. It is a performance-based contract and he will be assessed in the first year,” Dube said responding to a club member, who wanted to know the duration of the contract with the Dutchman.
The Dutchman will be assisted by Amini Soma-Phiri, who helped the team survive relegation as well as leading them to the Easycall Cup success.
Veteran coach Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu will be the goalkeepers’ coach while Vezigama Dlodlo has been retained as welfare manager.
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On Soma-Phiri and Zulu, Dube said: “Having achieved a marvellous turnaround for the team last year, there were reports in the media that the former was reluctant to serve the team. The truth of the matter is that Soma-Phiri will be the assistant coach. The club expects him to help build a formidable team to challenge for honours,” Dube said.
The club expects Zulu to help Akbay settle into his job.
“Due to his experience and maturity, Zulu has a very important role other than coaching and monitoring goalkeepers. He has a supervisory role on all technical issues in coaching, including juniors. Members must appreciate that a new recruit (Akbay) cannot be expected to master all the ropes overnight. We hope Tsano can initiate him into our systems early so he can settle down quickly,” he added.
Zulu and Soma-Phiri have been preparing the squad for the 2016 season in Akbay’s absence.
Bosso has named a provisional squad of 21 players that include six players promoted from the juniors.
Dube said they were still negotiating with other players as they look to build a strong team.
They have also retained striker Knox Mutizwa, who is on the verge of signing with South Africa Premiership side Bidvest Wits.
