Zimbabwean gaffer Clever Hunda has resigned from Notwane with immediate effect. The smart coach dropped the bombshell on Wednesday, forcing Toronto to turn to assistant Christopher Rabalago as an interim coach.
The news of Hunda leaving the youthful side came as a shock as he had managed to blend some inexperienced youngsters into a promising side. Notwane made a quick return to the Premier League after both Police XI and Security Systems were de-registered from Botswana Football Association (BFA). That meant that Hunda had to change from building for the First Division to retaining their spot in top flight.
In the five games he played, Hunda’s side showed some signs of brilliance though in other games they were let down by inexperience.
“The old man (Hunda) is under pressure from his family that he is not bringing food home yet he is employed by Notwane. You know how women are and if it was according to Hunda, he would still be coaching the club. It was an unfortunate situation but he had to leave. He understands that Notwane does not have a sponsor and relies on handouts to make ends meet,” said a source close to Notwane.
It is understood that Notwane have failed to pay Hunda his full salary for months, something which has not gone down well with his family. The source further revealed that the Zimbabwean gaffer was sad about leaving as he had established a healthy working relationship with the club’s chairman, Segolame Ramotlhwa.
There is speculation that any club which is able to take care of Hunda’s salary every month would be able to secure his services. As things stand, he will remain at home rather than relying on handouts to survive.
When contacted for comment on Friday afternoon, Hunda did not deny or confirm his departure. Instead he referred this publication to Ramotlhwa who did not answer his phone.
Notwane secretary, Ken Bainame, confirmed the developments.
“It’s true that he tended his resignation on the 23rd of October with immediate effect. The contents of the letter are confidential. But the main issue was that he pointed out that there are pressing family issues which he needs to attend.”
Bainame said the club has accepted his resignation and will remain under the tutelage of Rabalago while the search for a new coach continues.
Sunday Standard has it on good authority that if Rabalago impresses in the games he will be in charge, he is likely to be retained on fulltime basis.
“The bad thing would be to bring an expensive coach and fail to pay him. The club does not have money and we rely on individuals to run the club,” said a source.
He further revealed that in the meantime the management is toying around with an idea of bringing former Notwane captain Fabian Zulu to work alongside Rabalago. The other person who might be considered for the post is national Under-17 coach Kaizer Kobedi. The Young Zebras gaffer once coached Kgatleng giants Mochudi Centre Chiefs. The name of Chiefs’ long serving assistant Innocent Morapedi has also been hinted upon.
