Chiweshe is the man – Murape

Sport
MIDFIELDER Murape Murape says Dynamos players are enjoying playing under new coach Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe.

MIDFIELDER Murape Murape says Dynamos players are enjoying playing under new coach Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe.

Chiweshe took over at the Glamour Boys following the resignation of David Mandigora last month after a disastrous start to the season.

Mandigora led Dynamos for three seasons, guiding the popular Harare outfit to its first PSL championship in a decade in 2007.

Chiweshe, who has been in the Dynamos set up for years as a youth coach, has always been close to the senior players on a personal level. Since taking over the reins, he has won all his matches and the players feel he is the man for the job.

But his appointment as a substantive coach appears to be hanging in the balance, with some members of the executive apparently opposing the move.

And Murape, who captained DeMbare to their league success in 2007, admitted that the players have no say over Chiweshe’s fate.

“The players have adjusted well to the new coach,” Murape said. “They listen to him. There is a wonderful bond between him and the players and the guys want to play for him. The players and the coach feel they owe each other.

“I am not too sure what they (the executive) are going to decide, but we as players want him to him and continue with the good job he is doing. We feel there is no better person to fill the position at the moment.”

The team’s performance is under the microscope this season as last season DeMbare failed to win any silverware on the domestic front despite reaching the semi-final stage of African Champions League.

“Last season we failed to win any trophies or the league due to various reasons… This year we plan to dominate the domestic scene to make up for that. Last year we had our shortcomings and made mistakes in the cup competitions, but as for the league our failure was down to international commitments in the Champions league.”

Only a few weeks ago chaos rocked the DeMbare camp once more, as players demanded their outstanding salaries and bonuses. Murape however says the players’ grievances have been solved for now.

“The issue of salaries and bonuses was resolved. As players we should understand how difficult it is for the club to finance the day-to-day activities of the club. As much as we want our salaries and bonuses for our upkeep, we are determined to ensure that the team wins the league.”

He expressed hope that the club would work hard to keep players happy as it is only then that they can perform to the best of their abilities.

BY KUDZAYI TIGERE