Chaminuka quits Swazi side

FORMER Warriors assistant coach Saul Chaminuka has quit Swazi Premiership side Matsapha United after a spate of clashes with a member of the team’s management committee and fans despite having been unbeaten in four matches this calendar year.

Chaminuka met the team’s administrative board on Monday afternoon in a no-holds-barred meeting, in which the leadership failed to convince the Zimbabwe mentor to change his decision to step down.

Problems seem to have been created by the leadership vacuum following the arrest of team director Sipho Shongwe on January 19.

“I have left the club for the good of the team. I will go and brief the director today (Tuesday),’’ said Chaminuka.

“I am gone, but it’s healthy for the team because l didn’t see myself working under the same roof with some of the members of the executive due to persistent interference, maybe my assistant Mbaya (Katala) or the new coach will be able to (do that).

“Maybe my departure will be healthy for the team, the environment was no longer conducive.

“I just hope the team continues to enjoy the fine run and hopefully lift the cup. My departure must motivate the players instead of the reverse.

“He (Sipho) is not going to be taking it well I know, but Matsapha is not about Saul or any member of the executive and not even him (Sipho), it is a team of the people pulling towards a common goal.’’

A statement posted on the club website announced the development.

“Matsapha United Football Club and coach Saul Chaminuka have reached an agreement to amicably part ways after almost two seasons.

“The decision was reached during a meeting between the coach and the club’s management committee held at the team villages on Monday afternoon.

“As per contractual obligations, reasons for the decision remain confidential in respect to the employer-employee agreement and anything outside this will remain mere speculation thus will be treated as such by both parties.

“As William Shakespeare put it in Romeo and Juliet, parting is such a sweet sorrow. We meet to part and part to meet, fare thee well Saul Chaminuka,” read the statement.

Chaminuka joined Matsapha United in September 2016, presiding over 50 competitive matches and guiding the team to the premier league and the SwaziBank Cup final in 2017.

“He leaves the team fifth on the log standings.

The 3-2 wins over Tambuti FC and Tinyosi were his last league and cup assignments respectively.