JOHANNESBUG - Free State Stars this week provided the first coaching casualty of the season, with Zimbabwean Sunday Chidzambwa Komphela had been touted as a possible assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane at Bafana Bafana, but was confirmed instead as Stars’ mentor following Chidzambwa’s shock resignation just three matches into the season. Chidzambwa cited “family reasons” for his departure, but speculation regarding his stay at Ea Lla Koto had been brewing for some time. Last week Stars were forced to deny reports that the Zimbabwean was about to be shown the door.
But yesterday, both coach and club were united in preaching that a “mutual agreement” had been reached for him to leave with immediate effect. “Sunday (Chidzambwa) came to us and pleaded with us to release him from his duties as he is going back to his native country for family issues,” Stars’ brand manager Rantsi Mokoena, who is the son of club owner Mike, said in a statement. “It is sad that we have to part ways so early into the season.” Mokoena then had a meeting with Komphela who accepted a three-year deal.