mmegi

Chinyemba to remain in First Division

Staying put: Chinyemba will not be in the Premier League next season
Staying put: Chinyemba will not be in the Premier League next season

Despite helping Matebele FC win promotion to the elite league in the just-ended Debswana First Division South League, Zimbabwean-born Elias Chinyemba will remain in the lower division.

Chinyemba is not qualified to coach in the Premier League and he has said he will look for another project in the lower divisions. "Botswana football authorities say that foreign coaches must have a CAF A license to coach in the Premier League but I have a CAF B. So I am out," Chinyemba told Mmegi Sport on Wednesday.

He made it clear that his goal is to upgrade his qualifications and coach in the Premier League. He, however, said that he is not in a hurry to coach at the highest level in the country. "The First Division is a good league.

I still love it here," he said. Chinyemba has earned a reputation as a promotion specialist and believes that his experience contributed to his triumph at Matebele. "The experience worked for me, especially towards the end of the season. I have promoted teams before so I knew how to navigate through challenges associated with fighting for a championship.

I can sum up by saying that this was one of the best but toughest seasons in my career because I was challenged by very good coaches." "Most teams also attracted good players because they are financially stable." Chinyemba's achievements have been hailed as a rare feat by many football pundits because by all accounts Matebele are not well-resourced compared to the other clubs in the First Division South. Last season Matebele finished in fourth position and the Zimbabwean mentor said the aim was to finish better than last season. Chinyemba has enjoyed a lot of success in the lower divisions in the last decade. Five years ago, he presided over the promotion of Sua Flamingoes to the Debswana First Division North before he left to join TAFIC. He twice oversaw the promotion of TAFIC to the Premier League.

The only major side that Chinyemba has failed to promote is Mochudi Centre. Before joining Matebele in March last year, Chinyemba was Chiefs' head coach. He, however, left the club a few months into his reign citing unpaid wages.

Editor's Comment
Watch your tongue Mr President

While his leadership has brought about significant progress and development, it is imperative that he exercises greater caution in his choice of words, particularly when addressing sensitive matters.One of the primary concerns is the potential impact of his remarks on Botswana’s relationship with De Beers, the diamond mining giant that plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy.The partnership between Botswana and De Beers has been mutually...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up