HARARE - CAPS United coach Taurai Mangwiro has expressed displeasure over the manner in which the Premier Soccer League (PSL) executive handles affairs of the top-flight league.
Mangwiro yesterday bemoaned lack of professionalism at the PSL, saying failure to release the league’s fixture programme on time ahead of the 2014 season hampers the clubs’ preparations.
Despite announcing last year that the 2014 season will start at the beginning of March, the PSL is yet to release fixtures for the season.
“As a coach, you would want to know the time frame you are operating within. But up to now we don’t even know when the season starts,” Mangwiro told Daily News yesterday.
“I think there should be more professional approach at PSL if our football is to go anywhere as a nation. I was hoping by now we would know when the season starts. It’s very confusing.
“Say, if we knew the fixtures, that trip to Malawi could have been used to fine tune our squad. During this off-season we are mostly guided on when the season starts in terms of preparing the players’ fitness level, the number of friendly matches and other things.”
Despite finishing the season empty-handed, Mangwiro is hopeful to make the cut this year.
The Green Machine are rebuilding after losing seven of their senior players during this off-season period.
Defender George Magariro has joined How Mine following the expiry of his contract at the end of the year while midfielders Tawanda Munyanduri, David Redhiyoni and striker Tawanda Nyamandwe signed for newly-promoted ZPC Kariba.
Midfielder Benson Maglasi and defender Arnold Chivheya signed for last year’s league runners-up Harare City. Winger Rahman Kutsanzira is yet to report for training amid reports that he is training with his former club Highlanders.
Mangwiro, however was putting a brave face yesterday, insisting the four-time Zimbabwean champions will be serious contenders for the title this year.
The Makepekepe gaffer revealed the return to the club of defender Asani Nhongo, who will be joined by ex-Shabanie Mine midfielder Pervington Zimunya.
The Harare giants have also returned the services of Keith Chikotora and Collin Dhuwa from loan spells at Masvingo United and Motor Action respectively while Zambian midfielder Madaliso Mwanza and Malawian international striker Ishmael Thandwa have also put pen to paper at the Harare club.
“We had a good tournament in Malawi. The purpose of the trip was team building and I think we have an idea of where we stand. It will go a long way in boosting confidence and morale in the team,” said Mangwiro of the Malawi trip.
“But I have been telling the players that this good run should not get into their heads since we still have a lot to do before the season starts. We are still preparing for the new season and we are slowly getting there.
“We are very grateful to the management for organising the Malawi trip, it was a good experience for most of the boys.”