CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe has stripped Godknows Murwira of the captaincy at the Harare giants.
This decision follows Murwira’s absence from the Harare derby against Dynamos two weeks ago, as he opted to join the national team camp for the recently concluded back-to-back Group J AFCON qualifier matches against Namibia.
Both Godknows Murwira and Dynamos’ Emmanuel Jalai missed the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Sunday derby, which CAPS United ultimately won. However, Dynamos goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, who was also called up, managed to take the field.
The FIFA international break was only starting on the 7th of October.
This situation frustrated Chitembwe, who felt disrespected and referred to Warriors head coach Michael Nees as ‘a clown.’
“The major talking point for me today was the unavailability of Godknows Murwira. I’m extremely disappointed with what happened,” said Chitembwe shortly after the Harare derby. “He is our key player. He is our captain, and we need him in crucial matches. This game was very important for us.”
“If some clown somewhere thinks he can make decisions on behalf of the team I coach, that’s very unfortunate. It appears we are 40 or 50 years behind and have been colonized, in football terms. If someone believes they have a monopoly on ideas, then it’s unfortunate,” he added.
Chitembwe has now taken further action by removing Murwira from the leadership structures at Makepekepe.
The club’s top goalscorer, William Manondo, has been appointed as the new captain.
In explaining the reasons for this decision, Chitembwe adopted a more diplomatic tone, stating that the move was intended to relieve Murwira of some responsibilities.
“We appreciate what he (Murwira) did during his tenure and now the responsibility lies with William (Manondo),” said Chitembwe.
“I’m pleased with what Goddy (Murwira) accomplished during his time, and we are satisfied with the way he executed his duties.
“It’s something we discussed between him and myself. He is one player I really want to protect, and one of the reasons to protect him is to ensure he can focus on playing, because he is a player we need so much, so desperately,” Chitembwe concluded.
Meanwhile, in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 30, Simba Bhora’s unbeaten run ended on Saturday after they lost to Herentals.
The result saw Simba’s lead at the top reduced to six points after FC Platinum crashed Yadah 3-0.
Castle Lager Premiership Matchday 30 Results:
Herentals 1-0 Simba Bhora
FC Platinum 3-0 Yadah
Ngezi Platinum 1-2 Chegutu Pirates
Chicken Inn 0-1 TelOne
ZPC Kariba 0-0 Hwange
Bikita Minerals 1-2 Greenfuel
Arenel Movers 1-2 Dynamos
Manica Diamonds 1-0 Highlanders
CAPS United 2-2 Bulawayo Chiefs
Featured image: by Libertino
Share Your Comments