Badibanga bemoans Sithole's departure

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Friday June 18, 2010 00:00

But he tips the Zambian to succeed at Mochudi Centre Chiefs next season. Sithole has agreed to coach Chiefs next season, although a weekend Annual General Meeting (AGM) will bring in a new committee, which might prefer a different candidate.

Badibanga, who is currently in his home country DRC on holiday had hoped that Sithole would stay at Ezinkomo and build from where they left off last season. The former Gaborone United coach took over a struggling BMC midway through last season and led them to a 13th place finish. 'When he took over at BMC, the team was struggling and at some stage, it looked like we would be relegated. He managed to instill confidence and a fighting spirit in us and we survived relegation,' Badibanga told Mmegi Sport.

'One would have hoped that he would stay at the club so we could build on where we left off last season. If he had decided to stay, I know BMC would have shocked many people in the coming season,' he added. Badibanga, formerly with Chiefs, is convinced Sithole is the right man for the Magosi job.

Sithole is credited with building the Chiefs' squad that won the 2007-2008 league title under countryman, Beston Chambeshi. Sithole left the club midway through the season to join GU, a club he led to the title the following season.

'He is proven to be one of the best coaches in this country and I believe Chiefs need a man like him. They have a squad with quality players who need a strong coach to manage them. So I have no doubt he will do well at Chiefs,' he said.