Mhondoro based premiership side, Ngezi Platinum Stars have announced the suspension of their head coach Rodwell Dhlakama over ‘allegations of corruption’ with immediate effect.
The club’s chief executive officer Nyasha Kadenge confirmed the coach’s suspension in a statement seen by Nehanda Radio on Thursday.
However, the club didn’t disclose the reasons behind Dhlakama’s suspension although reports indicate the ex-Chapungu United gaffer was ‘indefinitely’ suspended due to issues linking him with corruption.
He will be replaced by his deputy, Takesure Chiragwi who has been promoted by the club to become the new head coach though on an interim basis.
“We confirm that the Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club Board has appointed Takesure Chiragwi as the interim head coach of Ngezi Platinum Stars FC with immediate effect. Before this appointment Takesure Chiragwi was the first assistant of the club.
“Rodwell Dhlakama the head coach is on a mutually agreed indefinite leave of absence which has given rise to the appointment of Chiragwi. We are confident that Takesure Chiragwi is well equipped to lead the team as we resume PSL football action after the AFCON break,” Kadenge said in a statement.
According to reports, Dhlakama’s corruption allegations come after his attempt to release nearly 16 players in the January transfer window, allegedly in order to benefit from their signing on fees given the club decided to resign the players again.
In return, Dhlakama would then corruptly benefit from the deal since he is the one who suggested players to retain in the squad.
Moreover, the former Monomotapa coach was also reportedly suspended for demanding ‘bribes’ from players who wanted to make it in the matchday squad.
But the issue did not sit well with some of the players who then reportedly raised their concerns to the club’s management leading to Dhlakama’s suspension.
Nonetheless, the club is reportedly in a position to carry out investigations before they entirely and officially fire the gaffer.
Although, sources suggest that chances to retain his (Dhlakama) job are minimal.
Dhlakama guided Madamaburo as Ngezi Platinum are nicknamed to the 2019 and 2021 Chibuku Cup finals.
However, they lost both finals to Highlanders FC and to their platinum rivals FC Platinum respectively. Nehanda Radio