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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
FORMER Harare City coach Taurai Mangwiro is likely to find a new home at the National Football Association of Zimbabwe (NAFAZ), as he has emerged the favourite to fill the vacant post for the technical director’s job.

The former Young Warriors mentor, who is an accredited CAF Instructor, is one of the highly qualified coaches in Zimbabwe.

Sources yesterday said the NAFAZ executive committee have set their eyes on the former Monomotapa and CAPS United coach, who was recently sacked by Harare City.

Mangwiro, who besides his heavy involvement in grassroots development, has worked as a trainer of coaches, has been touted as the missing link at the association.

NAFAZ president Philip Chiyangwa refused to be drawn into discussing the appointment of the technical director but a close source said Mangwiro should be unveiled in a few days as the new man in charge of the portfolio.

“There have been several names that were under consideration but from the look of things it seems Mangwiro has landed the job.

“The executive committee is still engaging him but it’s good as done. He should be unveiled any time soon,” said the source.

Normally, the technical director is responsible for the association’s grassroots football development programmes and works hand-in-hand with executive member in charge of development.

The technical director is also responsible for the training and upgrading of local coaches to meet standards expected by both CAF and FIFA.

He also has influence in the appointment of national team coaches, where he can recommend suitable candidates.

The leadership at NAFAZ, which was born after the dissolution of its bankrupt predecessor ZIFA earlier this month, have already started setting up structures after announcing heads of standing committees at the weekend.

NAFAZ president Chiyangwa yesterday defended the appointment of Peter Dube as chairman of the referees committee after questions had been raised over his suitability because of his links with Premiership giants Highlanders.

Dube’s control of such a critical portfolio had raised fears that he could use his hand to influence the appointments of match officials.

However, Chiyangwa yesterday said he was the right man for the job.

“The constitution is very clear as to who appoints and it doesn’t say this person or that person. Anyone who sits in the executive committee is eligible for appointment to lead any of the standing committees.

“We had to put people whom we know are capable of carrying out their duties efficiently.

“I know there are stories which used to come out in the days of ZIFA about match-fixing and stuff and usually the referees were involved.

“We have to take care of those nuisances with this new organisation.

“I know Dube, he is a man of principle and is capable of leading such a committee.

“His leadership qualities are unquestionable, with the way he has been involved with the success at the Premier Soccer League.

“He will also be working closely with me as one of the vice-presidents. I have firm belief in him and his capabilities.

“It has also happened at FIFA that the vice-president of the Referees Committee was also a club owner,” said Chiyangwa.

He also announced that NAFAZ have named the Electoral Committee, which will be chaired by Sello Nare, with former Premier Soccer League vice-chairman Tendai Madzorera as his deputy.

The other members of the committee are Elizabeth Banda, Tichawana Nyahuma and Tinofara Hove.