CHITEMBWE’S BLANK CHEQUE
. . . Jere says coach will stay as long as he is club president
CAPS United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, is probably the safest coach in the world after receiving total backing from club president Farai Jere.
Jere made his point when he was introduced to the new players yesterday while the club unveiled their kit for this season.
He described Chitembwe as the best coach available in the country, adding that it is a privilege to have him at the club.
Jere said he wants Chitembwe to be at CAPS United for as long as he lives.
Chitembwe has often faced heavy criticism from a section of the team’s fans for relying too much on the seasoned players.
But Jere came to his defence, claiming responsibility and attributing the club’s shortcomings to financial challenges, which he said were now a thing of the past.
“Chitembwe is very loyal to this brand because he responded to my call when I asked him to leave Harare City for this club without fearing for our financial challenges.
“We were not financially okay, but it’s no longer the same case.
“I will be the last to forget Chitembwe’s contributions to this club, he has sacrificed a lot for this team.
“As long as I’m available, Chitembwe will never leave this club. I have been in this office since 2004, and I know what is needed here,” said Jere.
He said they went for Aloise Bunjira’s son, Junior, after reading a post which suggested he was on his way to Dynamos.
Jere also maintained that the club will only give chances to youngsters, who are in the class of Peter Ndlovu, Khama Billiat and Tafadzwa Rusike.
“I drove to Bunjira’s house after seeing a post which claimed his son was on the verge of joining Dynamos.
“If it was not for that fan, maybe the boy could have joined DeMbare, but I’m happy that someone highlighted it and the boy is here with us.
“If you see us having trust in these old players, it means Academies are not ticking all the boxes in refining these youngsters, and there’s no coach who can ignore exceptional talent,” he said.
Bruce Kangwa, Lot Chiwunga, Ralph Kawondera and Brian Kadamanja are the high-profile players who were unveiled.*