Defending champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ head coach, Madinda Ndlovu, faces a mammoth task this afternoon when they face third-placed Nico United in a Be MOBILE Premier League game scheduled for SSKB Stadium in Mogoditshane.
According to those close to Chiefs’ camp, it is a game which might bring to an end coach Ndlovu’s 17-months stay at the club if he fails to get the maximum points. It is reported that some of Chiefs’ executive members are not happy with the way the Zimbabwean gaffer is drilling the team.
Even though Chiefs have not lost a game this season, it is said that some officials want to show him the exit door. This is said to have divided the usually united Chiefs’ camp as some feel that it will be unjustified to let him go.
Things took a new twist during Chiefs’ 1-1 drawn match against rivals Township Rollers at Molepolole Sports Stadium on November 17. It is said that some officials accused Ndlovu of coming up with a poor game plan, which saw his side trailing 1-0 at halftime. Chiefs’ officials had a heated argument at halftime, something which saw some of them leaving the stadium fuming at the end of the game. Things were not helped by the fact that Chiefs only managed to secure a draw from the game, something which has seen them being overtaken by Gaborone United (GU) at the top.
“It was an ugly situation which saw some of the officials threatening to resign. I fail to understand what the fuss is all about because the team is doing well. It’s not right to expect the coach to win every game,” said a source close to developments. What happened against Rollers is said to have not impressed Ndlovu. The no-nonsense mentor is said to have written a letter to the club informing them about his displeasure.
Chiefs’ officials convened a meeting where a number of things were ironed out. Still according to sources, it was not enough to convince some of the officials that Ndlovu deserves to stay.
“I think what is holding Chiefs up is the fact that they owe him P100, 000, which was part of the agreement for winning the league last season. He (Ndlovu) is aware of everything and he is not happy. If they (Chiefs) do not fire him, he is likely to leave because he is sick and tired at the way some of the officials are treating him. He’s a man of integrity and can’t stand some of the things at the club,” added a source. Chiefs’ mouthpiece, Clifford Mogomotsi, denied the allegations when contacted for comment late on Friday afternoon. He claimed that they are happy with the input of the coach.
“Those rumours have been there since the beginning of the season,” he said. When asked what the argument during the Rollers’ game was all about, Mogomotsi played the cards close to his chest, saying that “in every set-up people differ and we’re no exception. We were just arguing about some of the things which affect the club”.
This afternoon, Chiefs face a Nico United side which was ruthless in their last game, hammering Uniao Flamengo Santos 5-1 in Phikwe. Chiefs’ defence, which has already conceded six goals this season, would be tested by the strike force of Master Masitara, Bonolo Fraizer and Topo Piet.
It is in the midfield where Majombolo are also a threat. The return of Gift Moyo has added spice to their middle of the park while at the back they will rely on the experience of Kenny Ledikwe, Moagedi Tsametse and Sunday Kelebale.
On the other hand, Chiefs can be merciless on their day, especially when the likes of Galabgwe Moyana, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Pontsho Moloi and top scorer Kekaetswe Moloi are on song. Kickoff is at 4pm.
