TROUBLED CAPS United on Thursday announced they had put goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda and defender Nyasha Mukumbi on the transfer list over claims they were sabotaging the new coach.
The two are thought to be loyal to the former coach, Lloyd Chitembwe.
The two players were withdrawn from the morning training session and taken to the club’s offices where their fate was sealed.
Coach Taurai Mangwiro, speaking at his afternoon press conference ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Buffaloes at Sakubva, batted away questions about the duo.
“That will be communicated to you by the right people and not the technical team,” he said.
A club source explained: “They were deemed to be uncommitted to the club, and accused of deliberately undermining the technical team. The club made it clear they just had to leave and stop poisoning the dressing room.”
Only on Wednesday, team directors Twine Phiri and Farai Jere had appealed to their fans for patience, promising there will be no more changes to the squad and coaching department until the end of the season.
“We are asking fans to unite as one family. We will start winning against Buffaloes this Sunday. We are not changing anyone,” Phiri told Star FM.
“Moses Chunga is not coming back and Simba Sithole (from Mamelodi Sundowns) is not coming either. We need to give support to the new coaches because they are young and good.”
Mangwiro is assisted by former Highlanders coach Mkhuphali Masuku. The two succeeded Irish coach Sean Connor and his assistant Lloyd Chitembwe, whose time at the club was dominated by power struggles with player allegiances said to be split between the two coaches.
Mangwiro and Masuku are still searching for their first point after defeats to Highlanders, Hwange, Black Mambas and Dynamos.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Fixtures
Saturday
Monomotapa vs Shabanie Mine (Rufaro), FC Platinum vs Blue Rangers (Mandava), Black Mambas vs Harare City (Morris Depot)
Sunday
Highlanders vs Motor Action (BF), Dynamos vs Gunners (Rufaro), Hwange vs Chicken Inn (Colliery), Hardbody vs Quelaton (Ascot), Buffaloes vs Caps United (Sakubva)