Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Sports Hub
MASVINGO – Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League side FC Wangu Mazodze has suspended head coach Elisha Mukusha with immediate effect following a string of poor results and growing internal tensions, just days before their highly anticipated Masvingo derby against Masvingo United at Mucheke Stadium.
Mukusha’s suspension follows the recent 4-0 clobbering at the hands of Yadah FC at the Heart Stadium in a midweek league match.
The club confirmed the development in an official statement signed by secretary-general, Desire Struggle Nyahunda, stating that Mukusha has been barred from making any technical decisions pending a 14-day internal inquiry.
Despite the suspension, the coach will continue to receive his full contractual benefits during the investigation period.
“The club wishes to inform all stakeholders of the immediate suspension of Head Coach Elisha Mukusha as he will not be on the bench during the upcoming derby match against Masvingo United and is not allowed to make any technical decision on behalf of the club until the matter is finalised,” read part of the statement.
Speaking with this publication, Nyahunda said the decision was reached after concerns emerged over the team’s performances and the handling of dressing room affairs.
“The suspension is linked to the level at which the coach was running the club, the poor results that the team has been getting, and also the way he was handling the dressing room affairs,” said Nyahunda.
Mukusha has endured a difficult campaign at the helm of FC Wangu Mazodze, guiding the team to just two wins, three draws, and three defeats in eight matches.
The results have left the club languishing in 12th position on the PSERSL table, increasing pressure ahead of the season’s early stages.
The suspension comes at a sensitive moment for the club as attention now shifts to Sunday’s explosive Masvingo derby against rivals Masvingo United, a fixture expected to draw huge interest from football supporters across the province.
Nyahunda confirmed that the assistant coach will take charge of the team from the touchline during the derby and in subsequent matches while the inquiry is underway.
The club said findings of the internal investigation will be communicated within the next 14 days.
