FRANCISTOWN: Newly-appointed Mochudi Centre Chiefs coach, Elias Chinyemba is confident that he will live up to his reputation of taking teams to the elite league.
Magosi who now campaign in the Debswana First Division South have turned to ‘promotion specialist’ Chinyemba to expedite their return to the elite league.
Chinyemba was appointed Magosi head coach this week replacing Oris Radipotsane who has also earned a reputation as a specialist in taking teams from the First Division to Premier League.
Radipotsane has joined Premier League side, Jwaneng Galaxy as assistant coach to Miguel da Costa.
Chinyemba who started his new job on Tuesday, hailed the balance in the Chiefs side. “The good thing is that I have inherited a very balanced team in terms of youth and experience.
I think the team will improve as the season progresses. With the team I have, I am confident I can get promotion,” he told Mmegi Sport.
Chinyemba said he is ready to handle the pressure that comes with coaching a demanding side like Centre Chiefs.
“I have coached a very big team. TAFIC is a big team just like Chiefs and I did well there. The expectations at Chiefs are very high just like at TAFIC. After all football is all about pressure. I am ready for the challenge at Chiefs,” said the Zimbabwean tactician.
He shared the philosophy he believes can help Chiefs to return to the Premier League.
“I believe that in order for a coach to do well in the First Division he has to favour speed and quick transitions. The lower division is dominated by teams that favour high speed and quick transitions upfront. I believe the players can cope with my preferred style of play,” he said.
The Zimbabwean has enjoyed success in the country’s lower divisions. Four years ago, he helped Sowa Flamingoes win promotion to the Debswana First Division North in his first coaching job in the country.
He twice helped TAFIC earn promotion to the elite league. Despite showing interest in the head-coaching role after helping the club win promotion, he was snubbed in favour of fellow Zimbabwean, Saul Chamunika.
Before he joined Magosi, Chinyemba served as a youth development coach at TAFIC. He will make his debut as Chiefs coach when his new side face Masitaoka on Saturday.
Chiefs are yet to lose this season and occupy second position in the league, a point behind Union Flamengo Santos who have accumulated 12 points.
