ZESCO United FC, Zambia’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, have taken drastic action following a run of dismal performances.
Unlike other clubs that only focus on coaches’ performance, the ABSA Cup kings have shaken the club’s secretariat by firing chief executive officer Kelvin Mutafu and suspending coaches. The club’s statement confirms the upshot.
“ZESCO United Football Club wishes to inform its stakeholders and the public that the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kelvin Mutafu has been separated from employment service with the Club with immediate effect. The termination is due to an unsuccessful probationary period,” reads part of the statement.
“The club appreciates Mr. Mutafu for his service and contributions made during his tenure with the Club and wishes him well in his future professional endeavours.”
WHY ZESCO UNITED SACKED CEO AND COACH
James Ngoma has since been appointed on an acting basis to the role of CEO.
The power men have also suspended head coach Emmanuel Siwale and his entire panel that comprised Mathews Ndhlovu who was made to appear as the ultimate head coach in the CAF Confederation Cup assignments simply because he holds the minimum of a CAF A-Licence required for a head coach as per Club Licensing regulation. The substantive post of Ndhlovu is senior coach.
“Further, the following changes have been made to the technical bench. Head Coach Emmanuel Siwale and First Assistant Coach Clive Hachilensa have temporarily been suspended with immediate effect. The suspension follows the ongoing review of the team’s technical setup and club performance,” adds the statement.
“During this period, the technical bench will be led by Winston Kalengo, Mwape Mwelwa, Jacob Banda, Emmanuel Mschili and Kondwani Mtonga. The decisions have been made after careful considerations and in the best interest of stakeholders.”
The future of ZESCO United coaches was thrown into serious doubt following a run of poor results in the MTN Super League and the Confederation Cup.
Ndhlovu presided over a 3-1 loss to league leaders Red Arrows on Sunday to throw his future with the ABSA Cup holders under serious scrutiny amid mounting pressure from fans.
The third consecutive defeat in the local league came two weeks after the ABSA Cup king’s elimination from the Confederation Cup from the group stage. The loss to Arrows on Sunday left United lying 11th place in the standings, 18 points behind the leaders.