PRETORIA Zimbabwean coaches who have over the past few years tried their luck in the South African Premier League have repeatedly failed to leave an indelible mark south of the Limpopo, despite commanding a lot of respect back home.
Unlike some notable Zimbabwean players, who have either won titles or individual awards with their respective South African clubs, local coaches have often failed to meet the grade and have either resigned from their clubs before the expiry of their contracts or have been shown the door by their employers following a string of poor, unconvincing results.
Former Dynamos (South Africa) and Young Warriors coach, Philip Mbofana, has become the latest casualty in the growing list of unsuccessful Zimbabwean coaches after he was suspended by his National First Division side under embarrassing circumstances.
Mbofana, one of the most experienced and well travelled coaches from Zimbabwe, is facing rape allegations and Dynamos decided to suspend him pending the outcome of his case and are likely to sue him for tarnishing the image of their club if he is found guilty.
While the circumstances behind the departure of former Free State Stars coach Sunday Chidzambwa who resigned from the club after a short stint of just three matches in charge makes it difficult to judge his performance, history records that other Zimbabwean coaches who have come before him have all failed dismally.
For the record, the likes of Shepherd Murape (who has had stints at sides such as Dynamos, Real Rovers, Ria Stars and Black Leopards), Ian Gorowa (who has coached Moroka Swallows and Thanda Royal Zulu) and former Warriors assistant coach Roy Barreto, have all failed to win any silverware as coaches in South Africa.
In contrast, a number of Zimbabwean players who have played in the South African topflight have either won some trophies, achieved personal milestones or have progressed to the more fashionable leagues in Europe.
Kaizer Chiefs Knowledge Musona, who last season won the Jet Rookie of the year award, joins the long list of Zimbabwean players who in the past have dominated the South African Premiership.
Esrom Nyandoro (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Tinashe Nengomasha (Kaizer Chiefs) are some of the local players who have won the coveted Premiership with their respective clubs while the performances of the likes of Benjani Mwaruwari, Wilfred Mugeyi and Alois Bunjira are well documented in the history of South African domestic football. The three were goal scoring machines during their stints in the South African Premiership to such an extent that they still enjoy legendary status in South African football circles.
Post published in: Football