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GIBSON Homela

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO football coaches have once again been snubbed following the announcement of national team coaches for the Under-13 to Under-23 squads.Zifa have, however, defended their decision and said the recommendations for the coaches came from the high performance technical committee led by board member John Phiri and whose members also include veteran coaches Gibson Homela and Cosmos ‘Tsano’ Zulu.

Despite having one of the best run junior leagues in the country, Bulawayo’s coaches were deemed not good enough to head the country’s developmental sides. On Friday, Zifa announced head coaches of the Under-13, Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 as well as the head mentors for the women’s Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 teams.

Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela told Chronicle Sport that the appointments were purely on merit and not based on geographical location.

“The recommendations were from the high performance committee and the appointments were purely on merit. Why should we be biased against Bulawayo coaches,” said Gwesela.

Three-time championship winning mentor with Dynamos, Callisto Pasuwa was appointed as head coach of the Olympic squad, the Under-23 team and takes over from the legendary Peter Ndlovu who joined crack South African side Mamelodi Sundowns as manager last year.

“Jairos Tapera has been re-appointed as the national Under-20 coach,” said Zifa in their communiqué on Friday.

Tapera is employed by FC Platinum as their juniors’ coach and the platinum miners are known to have bailed out the cash strapped Zifa on numerous occasions.

Little known Tafadzwa Mashiri, who once coached Gutu High School in 2012, is the head coach of the Under-17 national team with former Kiglon head coach Pearson Matipedza coming in as the new national Under-15 head coach.

He replaces Dumaza Dube of Highlanders who took the Zimbabwe team to the Youth Olympics four years ago.

“James Mohala from the Naph structures will head the Under-13 national team,” said Zifa.

Bulawayo’s Sithethelelwe Sibanda has been appointed as head coach of both the Under-20 and Under- 23 women’s national teams while Hwange High School English teacher Evelyn Rimai is the new Under-17 national team boss.

Naph will provide the head coach for the girls’ Under-13 national team.