The Sunday Mail
The feel-good factor at Caps United since the appointment of highly-regarded Mark Harrison as coach is slowly turning sour amid indications that the team’s leadership is being economic with the truth surrounding his contract.
United made a sensational off-season coup when they swooped for the services of the nomadic Harrison right under the noses of South African National First Division outfit Black Leopards as a replacement for Taurai Mangwiro, who had crossed the flow to join Harare City.
Last weekend, the club’s executive indicated Harrison would be in office by Tuesday but up to now the Englishman is nowhere to be seen.
It has emerged that, among other things, the Englishman is still ineligible to work in Zimbabwe as he has no work permit.
Harrison is kicking his heels in South Africa and has not set foot at Caps United’s pre-season training sessions which began almost a month ago.
Club chair Twine Phiri was not in a position to comment last week, a source close to him said work permit issues were at play.
This is contrary to an announcement by the club three weeks ago in which they indicated all was well as regards to the coach’s papers.
“He cannot come to work because he still does not have a work permit. It was reported some time ago that his papers had been sorted but I can tell you Harrison is still ineligible to work here,” said the source.
Caps United’s chief executive officer Joe Makuvire, who yesterday did not answer his phone, has been telling the media that Harrison is in South Africa to sort out his relocation.
Harrison’s continued absence has derailed Makepekepe’s activity on the transfer market at a time the club is in dire need of players to replace a host of staff who deserted the side in the close season.
Veteran goalie Tafadzwa Dube, Tendai Samanja, Dominic Chungwa, Tapiwa Khumbuyani and Kelvin Bulaji are some of the players who have left; while central defenders Steven Makatuka and David Chipala, and left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai have expressed a desire to leave.
Makatuka, who was initially linked with a move to How Mine is now set to reunite with Saul Chaminuka at ZPC Kariba while Chipala has been fighting for a clearance.
However, all is not gloomy at Makepekepe.
Utility player Hardlife Zvirekwi has committed his future to the club while stalwarts like Dominic Mukandi, Moses Muchenje and Godknows Mangani have also been attending training sessions.
