The Sunday News
Noel Munzabwa, Manzini in Swaziland
RUNAWAY MTN National First Division early pacesetters, Matsapha United co-director, Sipho Shongwe assured Zimbabwe that Warriors assistant coach Saul Chaminuka will be released for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations preparations after an impressive campaign.
With the Warriors Africa Cup of Nations preparations set for December and finals, Chaminuka could enjoy the courtesy of the festive break to the Swaziland football calendar and focus on the SMVA Ingwenyama Cup and this will obviously not derail the club league campaign.
Furthermore, the football authorities may also declare an Afcon break as a way to avoid losing out to attendance through counter attraction but it is Shongwe’s assurance that will be sweet news to the Warriors camp and it’s followers.
“When we hired him we had been impressed by his curriculum vitae which included his national team duties and as a club we are confident, that we will go unbeaten in the first half of the season and reach 31 points. Remember we also stand to benefit from that Afcon exposure in terms of marketing, technical expertise and above all he could identify talent that could help us grow as a team,” said Shongwe.
Chaminuka had gone for broke targeting an unbeaten first half of the season in the MTN National First Division after bagging his seventh straight win which all but sealed his release for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations preparations.
There were indications that he had been given 21 points as target but revelations soon after a Matsapha United flawless 3-0 win over Vovovo in a league match played at Mavuso Sports Centre recently there seems to be a consensus to go for 31 points in the 11 matches.
Matsapha United were off the scoring block in the 36th minute thanks to John Neguyami ball knock from close range before Sifiso Maseko immaculately outjumped a static Vovovo FC backline to head home the evening’s beauty in the 54th minute.
Sidumo Shongwe was to drill home the final nail in 76th minute with a half volley securing the win.
It is the ecstasy that followed that firmed belief that 31 points is a possible target considering the quality of the three remaining first half opponents Hlathikulu Tycoons (away), Amalanda (home) and Ludzeludze Brothers.
“For me I feel the boys gave me an advance birthday present since I turn 53 on December 3 and it’s worth celebrating. I am now confident we have to win the remaining three matches and leave the team with a comfortable tally before I go for the Afcon preparations.
“To be honest I have emerged richer with the football knowledge I have acquired here which will obviously help me in future assignments possibly even the Warriors. I have also watched a couple of Zimbabwe born players here.
“We will discuss as national team coaches with (Calisto) Pasuwa, Cooper (Mkhuphali Masuku) and possibly Sharrif Mussa on some aspects I have seen here. It will be premature for me to give out names at this stage I don’t want to create falsea hope for anyone,” said Chaminuka though this correspondent can exclusively reveal he has been impressed by Manzini Wanderers Frank Mukarati.
@NoelMunzabwa
