Nation Dube set to rejoin Hwange

Sport
Former Hwange coach Nation Dube

FORMER Hwange coach Nation Dube appears set for a return to the coal miners in a similar role ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season after Zifa’s Caf A licence requirement grounded their current head coach Bongani Mafu.

Mafu, who holds a Uefa B coaching certificate has not been cleared by Zifa to sit on the bench, while his assistant Try Ncube also does not have the requisite qualifications.

It has then emerged that either Dube or Mebelo Njekwa or both could be bouncing back as technical manager and assistant at Hwange.

Chipangano have a tough one in their first 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outing as they host Dynamos at the Colliery and had appointed Mafu as head coach.

DeMbare also have a new coach in former Black Rhinos gaffer Herbert Maruwa after parting ways with Tonderai Ndiraya, who has since joined Shamva-based newboys Simba Bhora.

A source yesterday said they have heard that Dube or Njekwa might be back at the club, but neither of them has attended training sessions yet.

“We have heard, but it still remains a rumour that either Nation (Dube) or (Mebelo) Njekwa will be back at the club, but we have not seen them at training so it remains what it is, a rumour,” the source said.

However, the news of a new coach with a Caf A badge coming in, was confirmed by the club’s administrator Khumbulani Mbano, who could not be drawn to release the names.

“The new coach with a Caf A licence is already there, but we are having a meeting tomorrow (today) as the executive committee to make a pronouncement,” Mbano said.

He, however, said Mafu and Ncube remain with the club.

“In the meeting, the technical arrangement will be announced and no one is going anywhere and we believe that it is not the certificates that do the coaching. There is a lot of backroom staff at football clubs,”Mbano added.

Another coach who was affected by Zifa’s resolution is Chicken Inn’s Joey Antipas, who has been elevated to be the club’s technical director, while Prince Matore, his former assistant, is now the head coach.

Former Bulawayo City coach Farai Tawachera is now an assistant at Chicken Inn.

Matore takes charge at the GameCocks as they play their first game away to newly-promoted Gweru-based side Sheasham, coached by John Nyikadzino.

Simba Bhora host FC Platinum at Wadzanayi Stadium in their first game, while Green Fuel, under the tutelage of Lloyd Mutasa assisted by Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu, start their top league journey away to Yadah FC.

Bulawayo Chiefs, also under new coach Lizwe Sweswe, play their first game against Ngezi Platinum Stars at home.

Former Chiefs’ mentor Thulani Sibanda is now in charge at Triangle and their first game see them host Herentals.

The new Premier Soccer League season begins on March 18, a week after the season opener, the Castle Challenge Cup tie pitting FC Platinum against Chiefs at Mandava Stadium on March 11.

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