The former Zimbabwe international left the side early into the 2010/11 season when it appeared the impatient Stars management were ready to axe him from one of South African football’s challenging jobs.
Critics concluded he was not going to add value to the local game with his ‘defensive’ football. Howls grew louder when Chidzambwa resurfaced at first division side Black leopards.
Much of that derision was targeted at the club owner David Thidiela, a man known more for running the team like a ‘spaza shop’ than for his astuteness at the helm of the team.
A longtime victim of the boo boys, he drew derision for unveiling Chidzambwa as the man to take them to The Promised Land-a ticket back to the Absa Premiership.
Now, ten months later, Leopards have reached The Promised Land. No prizes for guessing who is having the last laugh.
Last weekend, a determined Leopards secured promotion back to the Absa Premiership courtesy of 2-0 aggregate victory over Bay United at a sweltering Tshufulanani Stadium in Limpopo.
His captain, Mongezi Bobe, heaped praises on Chidzambwa. He is among a number of players who have grown in leaps and bounds under the watchful eye of the ex-Dynamos defender and coach this past season.
“The coach has done well and deserves a chance to lead the team in PSL next season. He knows the club very well and the players understand him and it will be a good thing to see him continuing with his job,” the Leopards skipper said.
Lidhodha Duvha, as the Limpopo outfit is known, has been outstanding under the tutelage of Chidzambwa. Against all odds, they reached the final of the Nedbank Cup final before losing out to eventual winners Orlando Pirates, taking an early lead but losing 3-1.
While he is elated at securing Leopards promotion to the elite league, Chidzambwa is aware of the task that lies ahead-retaining the club’s Premiership status.
“I am excited; speechless. Nonetheless, the work to maintain our status in the league begins here. I will sit with management so we get a couple of players to beef the squad and make sure we compete against the other teams in the league,” he said.
Post published in: Football