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Mutasa

From Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane.
LLOYD “Samaita” Mutasa has fired his long-time friend and assistant coach Masimba Dinyero over the latter’s suspected disrespect for authority at FC Platinum.A statement issued by club president George Mawere did not reveal much on the differences leading to the sacking, but the FC Platinum head coach said in an interview later that Dinyero did not measure up in terms of respect and contribution to the club’s success.

“Following FC Platinum’s triumph in the 2014 edition of the Independence Cup,” said the statement, “the club presidency and executive management would like to convey heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to its supporters across the country who stood with the team during the match against defending champions Dynamos Football Club and many admirers who continue to send messages of support.”

“Meanwhile and in fulfilment of the mission of FC Platinum to compete effectively for all silverware, head coach Lloyd Mutasa, has advised the executive management of an immediate reshuffle of his technical bench, where a mutual separation has been agreed with Masimba Dinyero and a new assistant coach’s selection will be finalised from his pool of candidates.”

Dinyero confirmed that he had parted ways with the club he joined last season.

“I have to go and start another new life and life must go on. I wish FC Platinum all the best in 2014 and I will always be behind the team we rebuilt. They have to keep on working hard,” he said.

In an interview at his home, Mutasa said:

“I have parted ways with Masimba not because we are enemies but it was for professional reasons. It has been nice working with him and I have learnt a lot from him. In life we meet to part and part to meet and as long we are still living we will meet again and join forces.”

He said while he is friends with Dinyero, it is bad for that personal relationship to compromise their jobs.

“Our job is results-oriented. I have a son playing for Platinum and if I include him in the team because I favour him he will tarnish my job and I will lose it but he has to justify his inclusion by working,” said Mutasa, a teammate of Dinyero at Dynamos in the 1990s.

The former Dynamos, Sporting Lions, Kiglon and Highway coach stressed the importance of respect for authority.

“People should respect their line of authority and I think he (Dinyero) was lagging behind. I do not want to open up much though I did not get much I was expecting from him,” he said.

Mutasa will remain with his kit manager Emmanuel “Mayaya” Chapeza, goalkeepers coach Daniel Khumalo, fitness trainer Ndaba Ncube and team manager Joseph Mususa.

But Chronicle Sport understands that Samaita’s job is on the line as well if results do not improve. Ralph Kawondera is being touted as a top contender for the vacant post.

FC Platinum will host Caps United on Saturday.