Ndlovu quits Rollers
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday April 22, 2015 18:00
And speculation is rife that none other than his Gaborone United (GU) conqueror, Rahman Gumbo, might take his place.
Just a few days after the team lost the Mascom Top 8 final to city rivals, GU, Rollers confirmed Ndlovu’s departure yesterday through a media statement.
Zachariah Mudzadzi who has been Ndlovu’s assistant for the past four seasons has also been released from his contract, which was ending on May 31.
Assistant coach, Mogomotsi Mpote has been elevated to take charge for the remaining four games.
Ndlovu was prepared to serve the remainder of his contract until the end of May, but the club agreed to release him with immediate effect. “To give the full control of the team, the management has agreed to release coach Madinda Ndlovu with immediate effect,” said Rollers secretary general, Khumo Masonya.
Ndlovu’s exit did not come as a shock as he has been linked with moves away from the club with former Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Extension Gunners coach, Draglo Stanjolovic among those tipped to take over. The Zimbabwean watched Rollers promising season turn into horror after a four point lead was overhauled by bitter rivals, Chiefs and the team was also booted out of the CAF Champions League league. He leaves Rollers in third position on the Premier League log.
Ndlovu arrived at Rollers at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season and led the side to its 12th league title, in his second spell at the club.
He also led the team to the last season’s Top 8 final where he lost on penalties to the army side, BDF XI.
There have been constant reports that some club executive members were unhappy with the coach and called for his head before the start of the season.
However, club director, Jagdish Shah reportedly shielded Ndlovu, who led to Rollers to a 17-game unbeaten run before Christmas. He is the only coach to win three Premier League titles, with the other two coming from a stint at Chiefs.
He has also coached Nico United and Motlakase Power Dynamos. There are reports that Zambian Premier League side, ZANACO, are courting Ndlovu.
Meanwhile, former Denmark Under-21 coach Flemming Serristslev has also been linked with the Rollers job.
He watched Rollers in the Top 8 final on Saturday at the National Stadium.
The other contender is reportedly former Under-23 coach, David Bright who was in the country last week. It is said the United FC coach held a meeting with the Rollers management. Former BMC coach, Daniel Nare remains a dark horse. GU coach, Rahman Gumbo is a shock candidate for the Rollers top job.