Zimpapers Logo

Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

SAUL Chaminuka and Johanisi Nhumwa have been interviewed for the vacant coaching job at Castle Lager Premiership football club Black Rhinos. 

The army team went separate ways with head coach Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa after Saturday’s routine defeat to Manica Diamonds at Gibbo. 

That the result was 4-0 in favour of the Mutare team hit the final nail into Mutizwa’s coffin. 

With only one win in seven games, the Black Rhinos legend was struggling to cope with the pressure, especially after the team lost almost 90 percent of their playing staff early this season. 

Chauya Chipembere have raw players in their fold who are struggling to adjust to the demands of top players. 

And Chaminuka or Nhumwa will this week be unveiled as the new Black Rhinos coach with the responsibility of turning around the fortunes of the two-time league champions. 

The Black Rhinos executive have already interviewed Nhumwa and were last night expected to meet Chaminuka for the same.

The Herald also understands that Rodwell Dhlakama was one of their choices before the veteran gaffer was snatched by GreenFuel. 

Nhumwa last coached in the top-flight last season at Manica Diamonds before he was shown the exit door, paving the way for current gaffer Jairos Tapera. 

Nhumwa started the season on fire last term, winning the opening three games and for some time, the Mutare-based team looked like genuine league contenders only to falter midway through the race. 

Chaminuka made a name for himself after almost leading ZPC Kariba to a historic league title in their debut season in 2014. 

With a modest squad with then modest players like goalkeeper Tendai Hove, Dennis Dauda, Norest Mukwezaramba, Dexter Phiri, Peter Muzondo and Raphael Manuvire, Chaminuka went into the last day of the season in control of the proceedings. 

He needed just a draw against CAPS United to bag the title on the final day of the race. 

But a 3-2 defeat, coupled with a victory for Dynamos in their own match, meant the Glamour Boys had done a smash-and-grab to put paid ZPC Kariba’s hopes of a historic title. 

And after years on the sidelines, Chaminuka could be back into the fold if Black Rhinos decide to hand the coaching stick to him. 

Black Rhinos spokesperson, Edward Mutukwa, confirmed yesterday the two (Chaminuka and Nhumwa) have been interviewed for the job. 

“Yes, we have interviewed Nhumwa and we will be meeting with Saul Chaminuka this evening (yesterday). 

“We will then be able to make a decision after we meet as the executive,” he said.

“We are determined to bring our season back on track. So we will do due diligence to ensure that we get the right person for the job.” 

But, neither of the two coaches will sit on the bench as they didn’t attend the CAF refresher course to activate their CAF A licences. 

The course was done in February. 

Another refresher is expected in a few weeks’ time.