Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
ZIFA Northern Region Division One League side Karoi United are yet to replace head coach Levison Selous, who left the club at the end of last season when his contract was not renewed after a seven-year stint.
Karoi United are one of the longest serving members of the ZNRSL and have never been relegated from the region for decades.
The team managed to survive again last season with Selous, who are now reported to be with ZPC Kariba, steering the ship.
Karoi United chairman Charles Henry Marime said they are set to start full training next week after the official unveiling of a new coach.
“We are progressing as a new executive and we are happy with the work on the ground so far. We are yet to appoint an interim coach, which I believe we will do by Friday.
“At the moment we are under the guidance of former assistant to Selous, Nickson Kondo. We have a group which is training but we will have a full team that we will work with by next Tuesday.
“We are looking forward to finishing in the top eight then go for the championship next season. However, we are not just looking at managing a respectable position as anything can happen in football and we will give everything and try to challenge for the honours as well.
“Our mandate is to see the club succeed. After the promotion of Chegutu Pirates, who are also from Mashonaland West, we now have confidence that anything is possible. We have been in the league for decades and we look forward to having a competitive side during our tenure of office,” said Marime.
Karoi have been open on the coach selection and have not shut the door on Selous.
“We want to have a broad selection and see who shares our vision and strategy and he is free to apply for the vacancy.
“The team is looking for an experienced coach who will steer the ship for the 2024 season.
“We are looking for a qualified and experienced coach, who shares the same vision as us. Our shared vision is to see the club gain promotion into the Premier Soccer League and the coach must be able to walk with us on this journey.
“We are looking for someone who will unearth gems, nurture and develop them into super talents. The gems will be unearthed from around Hurungwe District and the country at large.
“The coach we are looking for must have the requisite qualities of identifying talent and developing it and be able to blend it with senior players to create a team that will compete at the highest level.
“We are going to retain all the players who have running contracts as well as bring on board new players,” added Marime.