Gumbo faces uncertain future again
Chakalisa Dube | Monday October 30, 2023 16:00
However, the Zimbabwean-born mentor has shrugged off the reports that his sacking is imminent following a not so convincing start by the Palapye-based side in the league this season.
Gumbo watched in agony as his side suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Premier League returnees TAFIC, in an encounter played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on Saturday.
It was the second loss for the team in four games for the team. Morupule have drawn two other matches. Over the weekend, there was mounting speculation that the club’s faith on Gumbo was slowly waning and he will be sacked if he does not pick maximum points against TAFIC. “I am not worried (about losing his job). I have been in football for 40 years.
The results will come. We have been a bit unlucky but I am confident that the results will come. I am building a team,” the media shy Gumbo said in a rare post-match interview.
He also denied that he was given an obligation to win the TAFIC clash or face the prospect of being dismissed. Added Gumbo: “It is the same game that we played against GU. We just gave away silly goals.” Asked if he is confident that he will keep his job, Gumbo said only club authorities would decide or know his destiny but reiterated that he is optimistic that the team will find rhythm and start winning matches soon. Gumbo took over Morupule after he was shown the door by Flamingoes following a string of poor results, but he has struggled to assert himself at the Palapye outfit despite his notable credentials. Forward, Kesekile Chivese was the star of the first half. After missing an easy chance early in the first half, the Mbalambi-born forward opened the scoring for TAFIC with a stunning shot from range in the 19th minute. He profited from a poor clearance by the visitors’ defence.
Morupule found the equaliser in the 42nd minute through a penalty. Forward, Leeroy Mavunga stepped up to convert from the spot after a TAFIC defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. A minute later Chivese sealed his brace after connecting with Azande Aime’s low cross from left. This was the third goal for Chivese in three starts.
Chivese is widely considered as a winger but TAFIC mentor Philemon Makwengwe has converted him into a striker. TAFIC enjoyed much possession but did not create many chances until a moment of pure brilliance from substitute Kitso Mpuisang in the 69th minute. The striker unleashed a world-class strike from the edge of the box after navigating his way past several defenders to give the hosts a two goal cushion. Morupule were architects of their own demise because they defended too deep for the better part of the match.
They rarely threatened and looked disjointed when going forward. Meanwhile, Makwengwe has said supporters should not read much into the team’s recent good run. TAFIC have maintained a perfect run in the league this season and are yet to lose after four rounds of matches. “We do not want to punch above our weight. Our target is survival. There is still a long way to go,” he said. He also waxed lyrically about Chivese and believes that the young forward has a bright future in football. “He still trying to regain his match fitness and will improve with time. He has goals in him. He is a very intelligent player.” Chivese is among the league top goal scorers.
The teams:
TAFIC: Thatayaone Thandazela, Thamani Muzila, Shanganani Nganda, Kemoneetse Mmangwedi, Nenguba Chakalisa (Keabetse Tiego), Gape Gaogangwe, Godfrey Seabelo (Arnold Obuseng), Montsi Dichaba (Kudzani Sibanda), Aime, Chivese (Modise Modipe), Thabiso Bante (Kitso Mpuisang) Morupule: Joseph Gojamang, Jackson Lesole, Kelapile Ndlovu, Keabetswe Matote, Tshepang Boithatelo, Maano Ditshupo, Ernest Ngwaga (Makaripe), Mavunga (Pako Gaofose), Dominic Chungwa (Tiroyaone Maome), Kealeboga Oitsile (Julius Linkontsane)
TAFIC 3 (Chivese 19th, 43rd, Mpuisang 69th) Wanderers 1 (Mavunga 42nd)