Mubaiwa says ‘door still open for Pasuwa’

By Dakarai Mashava

HARARE – Dynamos chairman Kenny Mubaiwa says the door is still open for sacked coach Callisto Pasuwa to return to the club if he accepts a modified contract offer. Dynamos parted ways with Pasuwa last week following sharp disagreement in negotiations for a new contract.

Pasuwa impressively guided DeMbare to their first league title in four years after taking over from Lloyd Mutasa mid-season when the club had fallen behind to Premiership debutants FC Platinum in the title race. The Harare club failed to tie down Pasuwa, whose contract expires at the weekend.

In recent weeks Dynamos seemed resigned to life without Pasuwa, prompting club bosses to approach former coach Sunday Chidzambwa, who rejected the bid to return to the club he enjoys a legendary status.

Dynamos were linked with a shock move for the veteran coach, and Mubaiwa confirmed that they did indeed offer him the job.

The 59-year-old has been linked with a sensational return to DeMbare, but the move has not materialised after the record-breaking Zimbabwean coach informed the Glamour Boys that he is still committed to South African Premiership side Black Leopards despite having been relegated from head coach to an administrative role in October.

Dynamos are desperate to hire a high-profile coach to replace Pasuwa, whose imminent departure is likely to attract the ire of the fans. “After our talks with Pasuwa hit a brick wall, we contacted Chidzambwa but unfortunately he is not available,” said Mubaiwa.

“Chidzambwa was everyone’s natural choice but unfortunately he is committed elsewhere. We have decided to advertise the job. The job advertisement will appear tomorrow (today). Our hope is that by Friday we would have got enough responses from qualified coaches for us to make a decision. It is open to all interested coaches. The only coach we tried to head-hunt was Chidzambwa.”

Having failed with the bid to lure back Chidzambwa, Mubaiwa revealed to the Daily News yesterday that even at this late stage, Pasuwa could still reclaim his job if the title-winning coach accepts the salary he has been offered. “If a mediator is found who can convince Pasuwa to accept the $3 000 on offer, he will return,” said Mubaiwa.

“The only sticking point that derailed our efforts to re-sign Pasuwa on a long-term contract is the salary. We just hope someone will help us break down impasse. The truth of the matter is that Dynamos cannot pay more than $3 000.When negotiations with the coach broke down the coach was unwilling to accept the offer.”

Mubaiwa said the club was hoping Pasuwa would reconsider his decision and lead the team in its twin pursuit of defending the league title and make an impression in the African Champions League. “Retaining Pasuwa is the ideal option for us because there will be continuity,” Mubaiwa said. “A new coach could be disruptive so we hope Pasuwa will accept our offer.”

Despite the deadlock with Pasuwa, Dynamos have managed to sign Zambian players Arthur Kaseloka and Derrick Kabwe to help boost the Glamour Boys’ quest for Champions League glory. Other players lured by DeMbare are Young Warriors goalkeeper George Chigova, left-back Ocean Mushure, midfielder Tinei Chitora and striker Takesure Chinyama. Daily News