Orapa United Coach Madinda Ndlovu’s job is on the line in what is believed to be a brewing dressing room coup.
The Zimbabwean mentor is said to have lost control of the locker room and some senior players are already baying for his blood.
“The coach made a bad call by appointing his compatriot Tendai Nyumasi as the new team captain. This triggered dissent among players which has not escalated into outright hostility.
Some team managers are also said to be unhappy with Madinda’s decision but have so far let it slide without confronting the coach, a source explained. It is understood that the feeling inside the Orapa United dressing room and boardroom that it was unwise to change the captain who has been doing well and replace him with someone who is relatively new to the team. Nyumasi took captaincy from national team player, Thabang Mosigi.
There are also murmurs that Nyumasi was appointed because like the coach and his assistant Zachariah Mudzadzi he is also from Zimbabwe. The coach is being perceived as a tribalist who has put his countryman ahead of the team’s interests.
Madinda is also accused of favouritism in selecting his squad. “Some players prefer to fake injuries so that they are not selected on the day because they are not in good books with the coach.
Orapa has played 8 games accumulating 11 points out of 24 possible points. The team won three games lost three and drew two.
It is alleged that some players are sabotaging the coach as a way of expressing their displeasure.
A fortnight ago Sharps Shooting starts parted ways with their coach Keitumetse Paul.
Sources close to Orapa say, Miscellaneous coach; Daniel Chicco Nare is being eyed to replace the Zimbabwean Ndlovu. Nare’s team is doing well and is in the top 8 of the current league after playing seven games. Chicco has signed a two year contract with the Serowe based Outfit, and it remains to be seen if he would terminate his contract. Sources further revealed that Orapa United management is expected to meet Chicco early next week to finalise the recruitment and allow the coach to start work during the FIFA week break.
