Caps United give Chitembwe ultimatum after barren start to league campaign
By Auther Chimbgwa
Ailing giants Caps United are on the cusp of relieving coach Lloyd Chitembwe of his duties following a poor run of form by the once famed Harare football club.
Chitembwe, who last won the championship with the Green Machine back in 2016, has been given a two-match ultimatum in matches soon to be played against neighbours Yadah and FC Platinum both at Rufaro stadium.
But plans are at an advanced stage to bring in a new coach as club president Farai Jere appears to have lost patience with the Caps United legend whom he once christened “a life coach for the Green Machine”.
“We obviously had to look into our systems because results haven’t been coming as expected. As a Club, we honestly believe we have got a good team, and the team is playing well. But if you are a coach and luck is eluding you like this, then you are bound to be replaced. It happens everywhere in the world. Maybe we can have better luck with another person in charge.
“So, we have resolved to give the entire technical team a two-match ultimatum while we discuss with a potential replacement who is coming from outside Zimbabwe. That coach is flying in tomorrow (Tuesday). We don’t want a situation where we will have a vacuum in our coaching department,” Jere said.
Chitembwe has so far recorded a single win and a draw in seven battles, with the rest being defeats. This makes this season one of their worst starts in history.
Currently, Makepekepe are languishing second from bottom on the log standings. The Green Machine have netted four times and conceded eight goals.
Chitembwe’s contract of three years was due for renewal this year, but that is not likely to take place in the aftermath of a dreadful run of form that the team has experienced.
Caps United’s last result was a 1-0 hiding at the hands of newcomers Bikita Minerals last Saturday.
Former utility midfielder, Ian Bakala, a Zambian, is understood to be in the running to replace Chitembwe.
Caps United were this season expected to do well after assembling what on paper appears to be a formidable outfit ahead of the league start.
