Joshua looks in formidable shape ahead of Pulev clash
ASHORT marriage between Mucheke Pirates and coach Johannes Nhumwa came to an end on Wednesday when the club executive decided to terminate his contract. Mucheke Pirates secretary-general Omeni Mafa confirmed the latest development. He added that Nhumwa has been replaced by little-known Ezekiel Mutoda.
“I can confirm that we have parted ways with Nhumwa. We are no longer with him. We had our meeting as the executive last Sunday and decided as the executive to relieve him of his duties.
“We reached that decision after Nhumwa failed to meet our target. Results were not coming forth and we had given him a target of guiding the team into the elite league. We are on fourth position and we feel that we deserve a better position.
“Former Masvingo United coach
Ezekiel Mutoda has replaced him and he will take charge of the team this weekend when we host Mukanya Bullets,’’ he added.
Nhumwa who joined the club on a one-year contract said he has no hard feelings against his former paymasters.
“I joined the club early this year and my contract was supposed to expire on December 31 but the executive saw it fit to terminate it. I really do not know why they fired me, I was just told that I am fired on Wednesday,” he said.
Nhumwa, who was the only CAF
A licence holder in the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One had guided Mucheke Pirates to 12 wins, five draws and six losses.
The Masvingo-based side is on fourth position with 41 points, 10 points behind the log leaders Mutare City Rovers. The club’s secretary-general believes Mucheke Pirates still has chances to gain promotion.
“We still have chances to gain promotion. We have seven games to go and if we manage to collect maximum points then we can make it,” said Mafa.
ANTHONY Joshua’s army of adoring fans grows with every fight, every knockout and every self-deprecating appearance with a microphone.
And the responsibility he feels to inspire the next generation of all races is not one the 27-year-old takes lightly.
Ahead of his upcoming clash with mandatory contender Kubrat Pulev, Joshua told Sky Sports: “A role model is interesting, because no man is perfect.
“It’s not only black kids that go through certain things, it’s also white kids, Asian kids, Chinese kids going through all sorts of things in life.
“So as I said, why I have to not take that title as a role model is because it’s just about who you are as a character,” Joshua added.
AJ shot to another level of stardom with his 11th round knockout of Wladimir Klitshcko in April and will re-enter the squared circle against Pulev next.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will play host this time as the “Cobra” attempts to dethrone the IBF, WBA and IBO champion on October 28.
The former Olympic star’s fanbase will again be glued to his every move and it seems Joshua is determined to do them proud as he puts in the hardyards.
A recent update on his Instagram showed the 6ft 6in champion in all his glory, standing with his hands taped inside the ring following a training session.
Joshua added the caption: “Stand alone”, but as arguably the biggest draw in boxing he will have thousands screaming their support when his Bulgarian challenger comes to the Welsh capital in less than a month’s time.
He shared a video to his Instagram account on Tuesday evening showing off some impressive speed bag work as he continues his preparation for the bout. — Daily Mail.