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Mark Harrison

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United’s British coach Mark Harrison is yet to get his work permit three weeks after his appointment, with club gurus trying hard to allay fears that he might not be allowed to work in Zimbabwe.Harrison’s former employers, South Africa’s National First Division side Black Leopards threatened to sue the nomadic Briton for breach of contract. Lidhodha Dhuvha claimed Harrison had a season’s contract remaining before he dumped them to join Makepekepe, his fifth club in just over a year.

The 55-year-old “journeyman” is still stuck in South Africa and club chief executive officer Joe Makuvire told The Chronicle Sport that “our coach should be starting work on February 1.”

Makuvire said Harrison just came to the club to append his signature on the employment contract and immediately left soon after the formalities.

“The coach is still in South Africa sorting out his relocation issues and we expect him in Zimbabwe on February 1. He is still to receive his work permit but as a club we’re not panicking over that, we sent the necessary papers to the immigration department,” said Makuvire.

He said the department recently inquired whether the Englishman was in the country or not although he did not say the reason for the inquiry.

Sources at the immigration department said issuing of a work permit does not take long “especially if your issues are in order”.

“Police clearance from the country where one is coming from is usually the major determinant. If there are issues still needing clarity the applicant is likely to wait much longer for the document, remember the case of former Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet where there were issues where he came from?”

With the Castle Lager Premiership starting on March 7, time is running out for the former Cup Kings whose pre-season preparations are being handled by legendary goalkeeper Brenna Msiska and Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi.

The club faces a massive player exodus with a number of their players having already crossed ship while the club also embarked on a nationwide player recruitment exercise that saw them holding trials in Mutare, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Bulawayo as well as Harare.