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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
NEWLY appointed Highlanders Football Club coach Bongani Mafu has finalised his list of backroom staff and is today expected to meet the executive to get their input.

Indications are that the assistant coach and the goalkeepers’ coach are Highlanders sons while the manager’s post would go to someone who understands the Bosso culture but not necessarily a former player.

Mafu, a returnee Zimbabwean from the United Kingdom where he spent 15 years, attaining a Uefa B coaching badge during that time, was officially unveiled on Tuesday and takes over from Zambian Kelvin Kaindu on a one year renewable contract.

The Peter Dube executive followed football trends across the globe where the head coach appoints his own backroom staff although the executive will have an input here and there.

“I have chosen my backroom staff, I did my consultations and I think my team is ready now. Depending on the executive’s availability tomorrow (today) I will be unveiling the guys that I have identified,” said Mafu.

The new Bosso gaffer hinted that for tradition and cultural preservation of the club, he would love to have a former player coming up as his assistant but the person must be a good reader and understander of the game.

“Naturally you can’t take away the fact that a Bosso son must be in the thick of things for obvious reasons but it must not be just that, I need someone who is properly qualified for the job, someone who is a good game reader. I am sure that person has been identified, the process was vigorous with some calling me while I personally approached some too,” said Mafu.

Bantu Rovers coach Mandla Mpofu and former club captains, Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu and Dazzy Kapenya have emerged as firm favourites to assist Mafu although surprises cannot be ruled out. Kapenya and Ndlovu formed one of the most formidable defence partnerships at Bosso. There could also be two assistant coaches although that will be dependent on the budget. Highlanders was the only team from the city that had one assistant last season.

Mafu also poured his heart out on the person of the manager, saying there were very few people out there to choose from.

“We can’t just take anyone for the sake of it, we need a person who is very switched on, someone who will be able to organise things on time instead of being reminded to book a training ground or to take the correct playing kit. I should concentrate on the technical side and not worry about such things like player licences or transport bookings,” said Mafu.

The issue of discipline, on and off the field, must also be paramount on the incoming manager as Highlanders players’ discipline off the field in the just ended season has been but just deplorable.

A few names have been thrown around to fill the post with former club player, manager and chairman Ernest Maphepha Sibanda, Amin Soma Phiri and Partson Ndabambi among the possible office bearers.

Maphepha has also been rumoured to be eyeing the chairman’s post.

Yesterday he did not deny the rumours (of becoming a manager or chairman) but chose to be diplomatic.

“No one has approached me on both the manager’s or chairman’s post, I am just watching from the distance like any other Highlanders member and supporter. What is needed and what I want is for the best people to lead the institution but whether I am one of those people it’s up to the people and those in power to decide,” said Sibanda who won the league title during his tenure as manager and in 2006 as chairman.

Legendary club goalkeeper Peter “Captain Oxo” Nkomo is almost certain to keep his job as goalkeepers’ coach.