The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
FANS in Mutare have voiced their opinions on fired Manica Diamonds coach Luke Masomere’s possible replacement.
Masomere was sacked last Sunday following a string of poor results.
Some fans who spoke to Post Sport said the Eastern Highlands team needs to be coached by someone who traces his roots from the region.
“I think Manica Diamonds needs a coach who comes from Manicaland since it is the only team that we have in the province,” said John Chawagumira.
Former Manica Diamonds executive member Lazarus Muhoni said Rodwell Dhlakama would be the perfect person to replace Masomere.
“The person I think can replace Masomere is our born and bred son of Manicaland, Rodwell Dhlakama. He is from Mutare. He knows what he is doing and he has what it takes to be Manica Diamonds coach. He once coached Zimbabwe Under- 17 and 20. Dhlakama must be given the chance,” he said.
Tom Nyathi echoed the same sentiments.
“We have to be realistic if results are not forthcoming, action has to be taken. In as much as Masomere was the people’s favourite, he had bosses to please and report to. I would say it was not a bad decision to relieve him. Mutare teams need someone who knows the Mutare football culture, who understands people of Mutare. I am backing Rodwell Dhlakama,” he said.
Tendai Mwayera from Zimunya said Manica Diamonds are losing one of the best coaches.
He said Masomere was a scapegoat to the deep-rooted problems at the club.
“The problem at the club is deep rooted as I see it. It goes beyond the coach. So firing Masomere was not the solution to the problem bedevilling the club.The club ought to be serious in what they are doing. There are things which the system is not doing right,” he said.
Tenax FC goalkeepers’ coach Eddy Diya Jewu said he believed Masomere was a good coach.
“ Firing Masomere was not a good move .Vahombe was trying his best and he was working under difficulties, playing your home games away from home. Vahombe is a good coach. He won the league with Amazulu, Super Cup with Shabanie Mine. He helped Manica Diamonds gain promotion without a defeat. People must consider that. I think his replacement should be one of these: Lloyd Mutasa, Saul Chaminuka, Takesure Chiragwi or Rodwell Dhlakama, but they must bring their backroom staff,” he said.
Robbie Mafira backs Brenna ‘Baba Gari’ Msiska. “Although firing Masomere was not right, I think Brenna Msiska will fill the gap and he understands Mutare fans. They were supposed to give him another chance, especially with the challenge we have at Manica Diamonds. The team played eight games in Chiredzi,” he said.
“I do not think there is any available local coach who can do a better job than what Masomere was doing, especially with this obsession of having a coach who traces his roots to Mutare. We simply do not have a wide enough pool of qualified coaches from Mutare. Rodwell Dhlakama and Lloyd Mutasa’s names have been brought up as potentialreplacements for Masomere but if we look at Dhlakama, he is currently with Chapungu. I do not see him leaving before the end of the season. As for Lloyd Mutasa, I do not see any big difference between him and Masomere save for the fact that Masomere has won a league title ,” said Takudzwa Mupani from Chikanga.
