Nhumwa joins list of fired coaches
MANICA DIAMONDS coach Johanisi Nhumwa became the fifth Premier Soccer League (PSL) coach to be fired following a string of poor results.
Nhumwa was shown the exit door yesterday following Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to Dynamos who had gone into the game with their coach Tonderai Ndiraya reportedly facing an axe.
While Dynamos celebrated the victory and Ndiraya silenced his critics, Nhumwa joined the list of fired coaches in the 2021/22 season that has Philani “Beefy” Ncube, Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu, former national team captain Benjani Mwaruwari, Godfrey Tamirepi and Hebert Maruwa.
Ncube was the first to be fired by Bulawayo City at the beginning of May following a string of poor results and was replaced by Farai Tawachera. A week later, Highlanders made the decision to relieve Mpofu from the hot seat days after Highlanders stunned perennial rivals Dynamos 1-0 before the match was abandoned at Barbourfields Stadium as DeMbare fans ran amok. Bosso then hired Brazilian Baltemar Brito who has been leading their revival.
Ngezi Platinum Stars who had coach Rodwell Dhlakama quitting the club as he was unhappy with allegations of corruption levelled against him went on to appoint Mwaruwari in May. The former national team captain was sacked as head coach in July, barely three months after his appointment following a difficult start to his coaching career at the ambitious side.
Mwaruwari had managed three wins in his first 13 games in charge at the club, who he left on position nine with 30 points at the end on Matchday 22. Takesure Chiragwi replaced Mwaruwari on an interim basis.
Black Rhinos also wielded the axe on Maruwa in July for failing to produce results, with the army side appointing Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa to finish the season as their head coach.
Now Nhumwa who has seen Manica Diamonds season crumbling as they suffered four consecutive defeats has been replaced by Jairos Tapera. It is not clear who will replace Tapera at Triangle United.
At the half-way mark, Manica Diamonds were fourth on the table with 29 points, six points behind the then leaders Chicken Inn but now find themselves on position 10 with 39 points, a massive 25 points behind leaders FC Platinum who are on 64 points. — @ZililoR