The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Reporter —
FORMER Dynamos star and Harare City coach Masimba Dinyero has assumed duty at Eastern Region Division One returnees Mutare City Rovers as the club aims at a quick return into the domestic top flight league.
FONDLY referred to as ‘Member in Charge’ especially during his playing days, Dinyero replaces Taku Shariwa who was at the helm of the technical department until the team was relegated from the Castle Lager Premiership last season.
In landing the City Rovers job, Dinyero got the better of competitors that included Gilbert Mushangazhike, Johhanes Nhumwa, Maxwell Marume and Itai Makumi.
City Rovers spokesperson Clayton Masekesa confirmed the latest developments.
“As a club we had extended invitations to several local coaches that include Sicho Masachi, Itai Madhinda Makumi, Brian Mukundu, Shadreck Mugurasave among others. We wanted to give the local coaches the opportunity to coach our side.
“Mugurasave could not join us because of duty after he was called at Buffaloes. Makumi attended the interviews but unfortunately he did not make it as he had level one coaching certificate. But we thank him for attending the interview.
“Masachi and Brian snubbed the interviews we did on Friday. Masimba Dinyero, Gilbert Mushangazhike, Johhanes Nhumwa, Maxwell Marume and Itai Makumi are the one that attended the interviews.
“Dinyero passed the interview as he had the highest qualifications, CAF A plus his wealth of experience both in Division One and Premier League hence the decision to give him the job,” said Masekesa.
Dinyero had been one of Lloyd ‘Samaita’ Mutasa’s trusted lieutenants since they started their coaching career together way back in 2002 at Sporting Lions.
The two worked hand in hand together national team coach Kalisto Pasuwa at clubs such as the now defunct Highway, Kiglon, Eagles, Dynamos and Black Mamba in Swaziland over the years.
Masekesa said the decision to hire Dinyero is one among many other decisions that show their seriousness to earn Premiership promotion this season.
“The move to hire Masimba Dinyero shows our seriousness and determination to return to Premier Soccer League. We hope that he will be able to take us to the Promised Land. We will give him the necessary support as executive. We therefore urge our supporters to also rally behind him,” he said.
Mutare City Rovers were relegated last season in their debut season in the top flight league and will be hoping for a quick return at the end of the 2018 season.
They face a tough fight for promotion in a league in a Premiership promotion race that is likely that includes another former Premier Soccer League side Buffaloes.
Buffaloes had a bruising fight for the sole promotion ticket, with Yadah Stars last season and they will fancy themselves to be successful this time around.
Buffaloes have already relocated to Rusape, a move that was precipitated by an increased number of First Division teams in Mutare using Sakubva stadium.
Buffaloes’ failure to get promoted and the relegation of Mutare City Rovers all at the end of last season means there will be no top-flight football in Mutare this season.
