Ex-Free State coach to join Chiefs
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday October 12, 2017 09:42
The club started this season under the tutelage of Innocent Morapedi and former player, Pontsho Moloi with both opening games ending in stalemates. Club manager, Clifford Mogomotsi said they chose Phiri amongst others because of the experience and knowledge of football culture in the region. “There are couple of guys who had applied although I do not have the names here. Phiri has a good track record and knows a lot about football in Southern Africa. We expect him to arrive here on Friday although it is not confirmed yet,” Mogomotsi said yesterday.
He said they will always try and bring people who can impart their knowledge on the local football fraternity. “We brought the likes of Madinda Ndlovu and Beston Chambeshi before who really helped us a lot by sharing their knowledge with local coaches,” he said.
Phiri comes at a time when the club is at loggerheads with former coach, Mafu, over unpaid salaries. Mafu was expected to return to the club this season, but the two parties failed to reach a common ground due to the issue of unpaid salaries. Mogomotsi said they never hid their financial challenges to Phiri who he said understood their situation. He said the issue of financial difficulties amongst clubs is a common phenomenon amongst African sides. “Regarding Mafu, we thought we had a deal. He decided that he will not continue with us hence our decision to look for a replacement,” he said.
Phiri’s arrival, however will not in any way affect Moloi and Morapedi’s roles in the technical team. Mogomotsi said the two remain part of the technical team for this season even after Phiri’s arrival. “Morapedi has a full time job and our training schedule becomes a bit awkward. We want someone who will be there full time because at times we train both in the morning and afternoon. As for Piro, he is still learning and will continue to learn under the new coach,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chiefs are still waiting for midfielder, Lawrence Majawa’s papers. Majawa joined Chiefs from rivals, Township Rollers this season but is yet to make his debut with his work permit still being processed. Another player, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng is waiting for a decision from the Players’ Status Committee (PSC) to see if he can be able to play for Magosi this season having been registered outside the transfer window. His contract elapsed at the end of last season.