Bosso closing in on Argentine coach Erol Akbay
Erol Akbay

Erol Akbay

Sikhumbuzo Moyo in BULAWAYO
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders are closing in on a highly-respected South American to replace outgoing coach Erol Akbay whose contract ends in three months’ time.

The Dutchman has already announced he will not be renewing his marriage with Highlanders, regardless of the financial situation of the club. While the club have already advertised for an assistant coach, after the incumbent Amini Soma-Phiri tendered his resignation two weeks ago following shock sabotage claims by Akbay, they are also looking for the head coach.

And, it appears, they have set their eyes on a South American gaffer. “The guy (Argentine) might be a foreigner, yes, but I understand his demands are not that out of this world and I am told the club is also impressed with his resume,’’ sources said.

“The guy also firmly believes in an institution producing its own players who understand its philosophy.’’ Chronicle Sport contacted the 51-year-old Argentine national who could neither confirm nor deny he was on his way to Zimbabwe. A former goalkeeper, he has previously worked with the United States of America’s Olympics team and also had stints in Nigeria, Botswana and South Africa.

A journalist in one of the countries he worked in described him as a very good coach who is passionate about the youth. Bosso chief executive Nhlanhla Dube said he could only comment on the assistant coach position which they advertised for.

“I can confirm that we received nine applications in total for the position of an assistant coach. That figure includes two foreigners as well, together with our own locals,’’ he said. “I shall not name for now but will do so once all the processes have been done.’’

He said they will remain guided by the needs of the head coach in as far as the urgency of appointing an assistant coach is concerned. At the moment, Bosso 90 coach Melusi Mabaleka Sibanda is assisting Akbay on an interim basis but does not sit on the technical bench during matches. Among those who applied for the position of assistant coach are former hitman Tobias Mudyambanje, Partson Ndabambi and Dalubuhle Bhebhe.

Also believed to have applied for the job are former coach Bongani Mafu, former Hwange coach Nation Dube and his assistant Mebelo Njekwa as well as Bulawayo Chiefs gaffer Thulani Sibanda.

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