Mqondisi Dube
30 November 2009
Defending be MOBILE Premier League champions, Gaborone United (GU) have parted ways with coach Mike 'Dubula Dubula' Sithole.
The Zambian who guided the Reds to their first national title in nearly 20 years was suspended ahead of the recent game against Mochudi Centre Chiefs for what was termed as professional misconduct. GU secretary, Kagiso Sebele confirmed on Friday that they have parted ways with the coach but declined to divulge more details.
He referred further queries to public relations officer, Romeo Benjamin.
However, speculation is rife that Sithole was fired after he attempted to throw the game against Chiefs. His suspension was announced on Friday, a day before GU's 2-0 loss to Chiefs. Before joining GU, Sithole coached Chiefs.
It is alleged that his loyalty was in doubt after he delayed in signing a new contract hoping to land the Botswana national team coaching job which eventually went to Stanley Tshosane. Sebele said the Reds' search for a new coach is on although they are not in a rush.
Assistant coach, Zaahid Jalaal has been in charge of the team on a caretaker basis since Sithole was suspended. Sebele said they will have appointed a new coach when their CAF Champions League campaign gets underway in February. He said the current events at the club have not shaken their resolve to retain the title. "The picture is positive. We want to win the league again.
We might have differences but our goal remains the same," Sebele said. Since Sithole's suspension, GU lost 2-0 to Chiefs before bouncing back with a 2-1 win over BDF XI in midweek.
Sithole's firing from GU ends a successful spell for the Zambian who first took charge of Chiefs when he arrived three seasons ago. He landed GU their first league title in 19 years after a relatively successful spell at Chiefs.
He was twice named coach of the year in Botswana and was looking to defend the league title with GU although the side has had a bumpy start to the current campaign. Reports link Sithole with a possible return to Zambia to take charge of army side, Green Buffaloes and BMC.
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