Rhinos find M’tizwa replacement
HEBERT Maruwa has dumped MTN National First Division title chasers Mbabane Citizens in Swaziland to join Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outfit Black Rhinos as their new coach.
Maruwa is reported to have penned a threeyear performance based deal, replacing former Zimbabwe national team winger Stanford “Stix” M’tizwa who led the army team back to the Premiership.
Maruwa is believed to have picked former Black Rhinos prolific striker Gift Kamuriwo as team manager, with Brighton Chandisaita being roped in as physical trainer.
Although a Rhinos official Colonel Wellington Mabiginye said negotiations were on-going, Maruwa confirmed joining the army side.
“Yes it’s true; I have joined Black Rhinos but we are still finalising the composition of the entire technical department. That’s all I can say at the moment; the rest you can get from club authorities,” said Maruwa.
Rhinos’ secretary-general Camble Sithole said they were due to finalise and announce the new technical department soon.
“Hebert is one of the coaches who applied and was shortlisted for the job. We are in the process of structuring our new technical department, which we will announce soon,” said Sithole.
The Swazi Observer confirmed Maruwa’s departure from Citizens on Saturday citing unresolved contractual obligations, among other reasons.
“I kindly terminate my contract with Mbabane Citizens as of 5/1/2018. This has been necessitated by unresolved contractual obligations and unprofessional technical issues. I was patient with those factors until I felt it was time to part ways on just cause. I wish the team well in their upcoming games and whosoever takes over will finish the job I started,” Maruwa said.
He leaves Citizens at the top of the league table with 30 points from 12 matches.
Maruwa arrived in Swaziland two seasons ago as Rodwell Dhlakama’s assistant at Green Mamba. He then took over the reins and guided the correctional services outfit to the SwaziBank Cup final, which they lost 0-2 to Mbabane Swallows.
He struggled last season and lost his job to former Swaziland national team coach Harries Madze Bulunga.
Maruwa then joined Mbabane Highlanders where he lasted just five matches.
He then took over from Ikabort Masocha as coach of Citizens three games into the current season until he quit on Friday. — @ NoelMunzabwa