Saul Chaminuka
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
NEWLY promoted Premier Soccer League club, Border Strikers, have appointed Warriors’ assistant coach Saul Chaminuka as their head coach, handing him a two-year contract. The nomadic gaffer joins the border town club from relegated Buffaloes.
Chaminuka, who led ZPC Kariba to a second place finish in their maiden PSL season in 2014, already sees himself staying at Border Strikers for more than two years as he says they will fight for the championship in his third year.
“Our main focus will be on finishing in the top half of the table this year and then stabilise in the next year. We will start fighting for honours in the third year, but if we manage to win the championship before that, it will be good for the players, the management and the supporters,” said Chaminuka.
The former ZPC Kariba, Buffaloes, Masvingo and Caps United coach said they are in the process of beefing up the squad and will be done with their final team next week.
“We are looking at beefing up our team with experienced players in all departments. There are some seasoned players that we are looking at but we will make the final selection by the end of next week. We are also looking at registering six players from the local schools to promote the junior policy. Furthermore, we will also have 19 senior players and five juniors whom we will register for the year,” said Chaminuka.
A holder of a Caf A Licence certificate, Chaminuka will be assisted by Never Malunga who led the team into the PSL and Hillary Mukuruva.
Malunga’s lack of qualifications to lead Border Strikers in the PSL prompted the club to rope in Chaminuka.
Border Strikers chairman Mandla “Combat” Moyo said they believe in Chaminuka’s abilities.
“We are very happy to announce that we have engaged a seasoned coach who has been in this industry for over 18 years. As the Border Strikers family, we will give him all the necessary support to ensure that the team remains in the topflight league for good,” said Moyo.
The club secretary, Rodlet Chigwinya, scoffed at people who viewed them as underdogs saying they are up for the Premiership challenge.
“We have done all our homework and we aren’t getting into the PSL to be relegated but to stay. As Border Strikers FC we have also made contingency plans to cover for all the necessary expenses to make sure that we have a flawless season,” said Chigwinya.
He said they are also courting other sponsors to ensure that the team’s coffers remain sound.
Chigwinya said they would use Dulibadzimu Stadium for all their home matches.
Beitbridge town secretary Loud Ramakgapola, who is also the team’s patron, said the local authority had committed $50,000 for upgrading the stadium to meet Zifa standards.
“Civil works are underway and 50 percent complete. We are very hopeful that that by March everything will be set to roll. We are working on the terraces, gates, public toilets, perimeter walls and fences,” Ramakgapola said.