Khumalo blames management for Saints demise

Former Zimbabwe Saints coach, Willard Khumalo, has blamed the club’s relegation on lack of professionalism within management.

Willard Khumalo
Willard Khumalo

Since their 2004 relegation, the 1988 PSL champions have become a yo-yo team, failing to remain afloat beyond a season each time they get a lifeline.

Chikwata have been relegated three times since their first drop in 2004, after going down in 2006 and last season. Internal fighting has been the major cause of Chikwata’s decline and Khumalo, who briefly led them in what later became another failed campaign last season, has blamed poor administration.

“Bad management and lack of professionalism played a big role in bringing down the club,” said the travelled coach.

“I was very keen to help them so that we could have more Southern Region teams in the premiership, but the administration there was just a disaster. I don’t see them ever succeeding in the topflight league with that kind of management.” Khumalo was fired from the Bulawayo-based club last August, less than a month after they cut ties with his assistant, Agent Sawu.

The club claimed they released him on ‘compassionate leave’ to recover from an ailment. This was despite him having been “granted compassionate leave” because he was not feeling well.

The day they were relegated, Saints drew a home tie 1-1 with Black Mambas, after they had arrived at the match venue 10 minutes after kick-off time due to a players’ sit-in inside the change room, in protest over outstanding salaries.

More than five of their senior players watched the fateful game from the terraces, alongside head coach, Ephraim Chawanda, amid allegations organising secretary, Jabulani Chinyangarara, had influenced players against the coach.

Post published in: Football

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