Shariwa settles at Shabanie Mine

24 Feb, 2017 - 00:02 0 Views
Shariwa settles at Shabanie Mine

The ManicaPost

Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
IT is now official, former Mutare City Rovers gaffer, Taku Shariwa, is the new coach for Premiership returnees, Shabanie Mine after being appointed head coach at the Zvishavane-based side two weeks ago.

Shariwa took over from Tendai Chikuni who did not renew his contract with the asbestos miners and opted for a lucrative contract with Chapungu despite guiding the Chinda Boys back into the top-flight league.

In January, Shabanie Mine had announced that former Bantu Rovers and Young Warriors gaffer, Mandla ‘Lulu’ Mpofu was their new coach, but it turned out that he had not signed with Shabanie Mine.

Mpofu has since joined Bulawayo City as an assistant coach.

Shariwa confirmed the latest development, adding that he had begun conducting training sessions.

“I can confirm that I am now the Shabanie Mine head coach. I have already started conducting training sessions. Everything is promising and I am adjusting so well.

“I am looking forward to a successful time and fruitful season here. We are now getting down to serious business as we try to assemble a strong squad for this season,” he said.

Shariwa signed a one-year contract two weeks ago and will be assisted by Wilson Mutekede, a qualified CAF instructor, formerly with Caps United.

Crispen Moyo comes in as a second assistant coach. All along, Moyo was assisting Chikuni and has been part of the Chinda Boys for a while.

Claudius Gunduza, formerly with relegated and now defunct Rusape outfit, Dongo Sawmills will be the goalkeepers’ coach.

In assembling a formidable squad, Shariwa has lured his former player at Rovers, William ‘Munhumutema’ Mapfumo who is part of the new signings.  Shariwa confirmed that he also signed Charles Makoto, Sammy Mafukidze, Wellington Taderera, Tapiwa Muduma and Cliff Mwale.

The youthful gaffer has already set his targets for 2017 Premier Soccer League season.

“I have already set my targets for the forthcoming season. As you all know that our club is coming from First Division everyone is so excited that the club is back into the top-flight league.

“My target now is to keep the team in the top-flight league.  All I will work on is to survive the chop at the end of the season. I am also working on acquiring more players to beef up the squad. I want to build a competitive team and bring back the old glory days in Zvishavane,” he said.

Shariwa joined the now relegated Mutare City Rovers from Hartley Academy during the 2016 season, taking over from Kenny Kachara who had guided Gusha into the top-flight league.

In his days as a player, the youthful gaffer turned out for Zupco Harare and has coached a number of local clubs including Eagles, Monomotapa, Township Rangers, Hippo Valley and Hartley Academy.

Shabanie Mine vice-chairman, Joseph Zimuto, confirmed signing the former Mutare City Rovers coach, adding that their target was to survive relegation.

He said: “We have Taku Shariwa as our head coach. We have confidence that he will help us stay in the top-flight league. Our target as a team is to stay in the league and not face the chop at the end of the 2017 season.

“We know we will make it. Everything is so promising. We have signed a number of players as well. Taku chose his assistant coaches on Monday and we hope the team will deliver.” The Chinda Boys returns to the top-flight league two years after they were relegated in 2014.

In 2015 they lost to Hwahwa and failed to make a quick Premiership comeback.  Last season, they dismissed FC Platinum U-19 side 1-0 to gain their Premiership promotional ticket.

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