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Oscar RUSENGA in TRIANGLE
SUNDAY “Mhofu” Chidzambwa was happy to be back on the bench after almost two years in the wilderness when he took charge of ZPC Kariba’s tie against Triangle at Gibbo on Sunday.

Despite the 0-1 loss, Chidzambwa was happy to be back in the trenches.

“It’s good to be back home, I felt very happy when the ban was lifted and if I was able to fly, I could have flown with joy,” said Chidzambwa.

“It was a very good feeling and I am glad to be back in our local football.”

The veteran coach had his ban, for the part he allegedly played in the Asiagate match-fixing scam, lifted by ZIFA.

Zimbabwe’s most successful coach who took the Warriors to their maiden Nations Cup finals in Tunisia in 2004 and spent time coaching in South Africa.

“I think I have a contribution to make to Zimbabwe football and looking at ZPC’s standards, I am looking forward to seeing some progress,” said Chidzambwa.

“I don’t dwell much on last season’s statistics about ZPC because that is history. It was a different coach last season, I am a different coach so it’s only fair if I can be judged at the end of the season.”

Chidzambwa replaced Saul Chaminuka who has since joined Buffaloes as head coach.

ZPC Kariba are sitting 10th on the current log standings with 15 points out of possible 42 but Chidzambwa believes they will improve.

“We have one problem, anybody who plays well in this country is exported to South Africa and by doing so I don’t think our league can be strong,” said Chidzambwa.

“We used to have all the stars around and that made the league much stronger.

“Just imagine if the likes of Malajila (Cuthbert), Khama (Billiat), Nkhata (Kingston) just to name a few, were still playing at different clubs in this country?

“South African standards are a bit higher because they have money and a very strong economy. Sponsorship is also abundant and that is the main reason why players from Central Africa, West Africa are going to play there.”

Asked if he thinks the current Warriors can qualify for the Nations Cup finals, Chidzambwa said that will only happen if there is improvement in the way the game is run.

“If we get organised at 53 Livingstone Avenue (ZIFA House), I think (Callisto) Pasuwa can take us to the finals,” said Chidzambwa.