Chiefs� Mafu gets COSAFA Cup assignment
Staff Writer | Wednesday June 21, 2017 17:00
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) in a move meant to recognise as many coaches as possible at national level, has named different coaches for the Africa Cup of Nations, Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) and the COSAFA Cup.
Norman Mapeza remains in charge for the AFCON qualifiers while former Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers coach, Rahman Gumbo will oversee the CHAN qualifiers. Mafu is with the Zimbabwe squad that travels to South Africa where the Warriors are in Group B alongside Madagascar, Mozambique and Seychelles.
“Yes (I have been appointed). It is an off-season, which runs until July 9. I always tell them (Chiefs) first,” Mafu said when asked if his employers knew about the arrangement. There has been speculation surrounding Mafu’s future after he went for months without pay at the financially-troubled Mochudi side.
Players regularly boycotted matches over unpaid salaries and Mafu had to convince them to take to the field. In some instances, Chiefs failed to arrive on time for matches.
Despite the challenges, Mafu was lauded after he led the side to a respectable seventh position finish, which guarantees participation in next year’s Mascom Top 8 tournament.