Chiefs Woo Gumbo

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday July 12, 2010 00:00

The Zimbabwean tactician led Mapalastina to the league and cup double last season. He arrived in the country on Thursday and Magosi are said to have immediately engaged him in negotiations.

Gumbo's two-year contract with Rollers is said to be coming to an end next month and there is talk that he is thinking of taking up a new challenge.

 'Rollers have not opened any negotiations with him and as we speak, he might be officially Chiefs' coach on Monday (today).

He is supposed to finalise his contract with Chiefs on Sunday (yesterday) so that he can be presented to the players.

What I can tell you is that he has agreed in principle to join Chiefs,' said a source close to the negotiations.

When contacted for comment at the weekend, Gumbo denied the reports linking him with Chiefs.

'That is news to me because I have been away on holiday in Zimbabwe and only came back to Botswana on Thursday.

My contract is ending next month and I'm still to think about my future. Let us talk on Monday (today),' said Gumbo.

The Zimbabwean was underrated when he arrived in the country during the 2008-2009 season but he had the last smile when he guided Rollers to their first league triumph in five years.

Information reaching Sport Monitor further reveal that if he agrees to join Magosi, a number of key players at Rollers might jump ship. 'Some players are disappointed at the way the management has treated them after winning the league, don't be surprised if they moved to join Gumbo,' said a source.

Chiefs' spokesperson Clifford Mogomotsi said that after Mike Sithole deserted the club for Gaborone United (GU), his committee looked elsewhere and at the moment, they are in negotiations with a high-profile coach. 'Unfortunately I can't reveal his name right now because that might jeopardise our negotiations. I can't stop you from speculating but when the time is right, we will release a press statement to that effect,' he said.

Meanwhile, Mogomotsi disclosed that his team is currently in negotiations with some of their players whose contracts have ended. Key players Jabu Pilane, Elijah Montsho, Oteng Moalosi and Sekhana Koko are some of the players whose contracts have expired.

It is reported that some of the players are looking elsewhere with Moalosi and Koko linked to Rollers. 'Our CEO (Oupa Kowa) has been mandated with the task of ensuring that these players remain with the club and we're confident that they will do so,' said Mogomotsi.

He stated that Pontsho Moloi and goalkeeper Noah Maposa who returned to the club in February from a loan spell with Bay United in South Africa, but could not kick football for three months remain the club's players.

'We're aware that some clubs have been negotiating with them but we have been paying them and whoever wants them, has to inform us,' he said.