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Rahman Gumbo

Ricky Zililo, Sport Reporter
FORMER national team gaffer Rahman Gumbo says he is not keen on taking up any top level coaching job until the end of the year.
Addressing journalists after guiding ambitious Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League club Bulawayo Chiefs to their first silverware, the Machache Meats Trophy, Gumbo said he is enjoying his sabbatical in the lower league.

The former Eagles and Highlanders midfielder, Gumbo and Moses Chunga who is the head coach of the Zifa Eastern Region Division One Soccer League log leaders Hippo Valley, are the two high profile gaffers who have taken up coaching jobs in the unfashionable Division One Leagues.

Gumbo, who won league titles with Highlanders, MTN Wanderers of Malawi and Botswana’s Mochudi Centre Chiefs has been linked with a possible moves to Hwange and How Mine.

The former Dream Team midfielder quashed rumours linking him to both clubs.
“I want to categorically state that I am not interested in any coaching job this year. I am taking a break from top level coaching and I am enjoying my leave here in Division One. I am not desperate for any job,” Gumbo said.

Bulawayo Chiefs beat a determined Mpumalanga United 1-0 in the Machache Meats final played at Luveve Stadium on Sunday courtesy of a Tedious Mugumanja headed goal. For their efforts, Bulawayo Chiefs took home $3 000 while Mpumalanga United pocketed $1 800.

Bulawayo Chiefs are the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League championship favourites and they are at the top of the table enjoying a six-point lead over second placed Black Boots.

Gumbo said he decided to spend the year helping out Bulawayo Chiefs.
“What I want is to take Bulawayo Chiefs to the Premiership and when I leave this club as the technical director I will recommend an experienced coach. People don’t understand that Bulawayo Chiefs is a project I want to see grow from the grassroots up to the topflight.  I want to see how far this project will be at the end of the year.

“There are a number of youngsters here at Bulawayo Chiefs I would like to see doing well, going to play outside the country,” said Gumbo.
Bulawayo Chiefs have a number of seasoned Division One campaigners who include their skipper Lindelani ‘Vice’ Ncube who is a product of the once vibrant Highlanders’ juniors’ policy.

Former national Under-17 and 20 utility player Pride Zireni, ex-Quelaton duo of Wilberforce Chiramba and Innocent Kutsanzira, Entumbane born striker George Majika and speed merchant Moreblessing Nyokanhete are some of the players leading Bulawayo Chiefs’ campaign.

Cleopas ‘Balloteli’ Dube who was offloaded by Highlanders during the mid-season transfer-window is enjoying a new lease of life at Bulawayo Chiefs and seems to be paying back the confidence Gumbo has on him.