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John Nyikadzino

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
CHAPUNGU coach John Nyikadzino reportedly threw in the towel on Monday, two days after his side lost 0-1 to Caps United a result which effectively handed the title to the Green Machine.

Nyikadzino had been the longest serving coach in the Premiership after spending three seasons with “Waru Waru” having guided them back into the topflight in 2013.

The veteran coach, who was one of the first gaffers to obtain a CAF A Licence, joined the airmen in 2011 when they were in the unfashionable First Division.

The Air Force of Zimbabwe side chief executive officer Chris-Levine Mukotekwa confirmed the departure of Nyikadzino and wished the coach well in his future endeavours.

“It is true that we have parted ways with him and as a club we also felt that with what we wanted to achieve and the time we had given him to prove himself it was time to look elsewhere into our future,” said Mukotekwa.

“Let me hasten to say the separation was mutual and we wish him well in his future endeavours and for us we are now looking into the future so that we can get a coach who can give us the desired results,” he added.

However, sources within the club say Nyikadzino had gotten wind of his impending sacking and made the first move before the club authorities could wield the axe on him.

In the just ended season, Chapungu finished fourth from bottom with 32 points after the executive had given Nyikadzino a top eight finish target.

In the meantime, Mukotekwa said Nyikadzino’s assistant Clement Mugari will be the side’s interim coach until a substantive gaffer is hired.

Some of the people tipped to replace Nyikadzino include former coach Innocent Chogugudza, ex-Chicken Inn gaffer Mandla Mpofu, Tavaka Gumbo and Godfrey Tamirepi.

Mukotekwa said they are in the process of contacting some of the coaches named above.

— @lavuzigara1