Mangwiro receives backing from Orapa management

Larona Makhaiza | Saturday December 16, 2023 07:45

GOING NOWHERE: Orapa United head coach, Mangwiro has received the backing of the management despite his side’s current form PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The Zimbabwean coach had recently expressed concerns about his job security, but the club has reassured him, emphasising that he is not at fault for the team's disappointing performance.

The club's spokesperson, Amelton Gaefhele conveyed to MmegiSport this week that they acknowledge the team's underwhelming results. He acknowledged that Orapa United, with their considerable capabilities, should not find themselves in the lower echelons of the league standings.

'To be frank, we cannot jump and say the coach is the problem because the coach might not be the problem. So we are not in a position of putting the blame on anyone at the moment,' Gaefhele said, stressing the importance of not hastily assigning blame.

He highlighted that this juncture demands unity within the team to identify and overcome obstacles. 'This is the time to sit and reflect on what could be the problem. I believe that if all of us work together from the management, the coach, players, and me, we can turn things around as this is just a trying time that we could overcome,' he said.

In the face of calls from Orapa's fans for the removal of Coach Mangwiro and the reinstatement of Mogomotsi 'Teenage' Mpote, who previously brought success to the team, Gaefhele appealed with the supporters to trust the ongoing process. 'We are not even thinking about roping in a new coach.

I want to put it out that even Mpote, we are not even thinking of roping him in or any other coach. We have a coach in Mangwiro,' he said. Responding to inquiries about the club's position following the coach's disclosure that he is going through a challenging period due to the loss of his mother, the club affirmed its awareness of the situation.

'We are aware of his mother's passing. We have tried to help him from the onset,' Gaefhele stated. Gaefhele further acknowledged that Mangwiro's mourning could potentially be linked to the team's poor performance but cautioned against making definitive conclusions. 'We are ready to support him in any way that would be perfect for him.

We also have a team psychologist who could assist him,' Gaefhele remarked. United has secured only two victories out of the 10 matches played this season, currently amassing 13 points after a draw on Wednesday night against Eleven Angels.