Zimbabwe: Highlanders Likely to Face Costa Do Sol Without May

20 February 2002
The Herald (Harare)
By Tendai Ndemera

ZIMBABWE champions Highlanders are likely to face Mozambican champions Costa Do Sol in the first round of the African Champions League without head coach Eddie May.

May left the country for the United Kingdom when the Premier Soccer League went on its annual off-season break last year.

The 53-year-old British expatriate coach was expected back in the country two weeks ago but has not showed up.

Speculation is high among the Highlanders faithful that May might be buying time to return to the country after the March 9-10 presidential election.

Club chairman James Mangwana-Tshuma said yesterday assistant coach Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo would be taking the team through its paces until May was back in the country.

"We are trying everything possible to have May back before the match against Costa Do Sol but in the meantime Mashinkila-Khumalo will be directing operations in the coaching department.

"He is in England and we have been made to believe that a lot of citizens there are worried about what could be happening here because they have been duped into thinking that there is a war going on here.

"May wants to be here to take the boys on the African Champions League campaign but, because of the bad publicity the country is getting on the international scene, he is worried whether it is safe to do so at the moment.

"We have, however, assured him that everything is fine and he should be in the country before we play the Mozambicans."

Costa Do Sol visit Zimbabwe for a first-leg date with Highlanders at Bulawayo's Barbourfields Stadium during the weekend of March 15 to 17.

The return leg is scheduled for Maputo during the weekend of March 22 to 24.

The British mentor, who joined Highlanders in July last year and helped them retain the league title for the third year running as well as winning the inaugural Zifa Unity Cup, is expected to be with the Zimbabwe soccer champions for the next two years.

The Bulawayo giants secured sponsorship for his salary from the club's sympathisers early this year.

May joined Highlanders on an initial three-month probation period and his contract was extended to the end of last year after an impressive start.

The British mentor, who has over 16 years' experience, has coached Bradford City, Leicester and Charlton Athletic.

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