FORMER Mthatha Bucks player, Mzunani Mgwigwi, has asked to be released as the head coach of Amavarara Football Club after only a few months in charge of his third spell at the club.
The decision comes just days after Amavarara suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of last placed PE side Sibanye FC in the ABC Motsepe League last week Wednesday.
Mgwigwi was approached by the club to prepare the team for the Nedbank Cup after the departure of Thomas Tshabalala.
Mgwigwi was instrumental in laying the foundation for the club while it was still campaigning in the SAB Regional League.
The team did well in the Nedbank Cup under Mgwigwi and his technical team, winning their first round match before being knocked out by Premier Soccer League side, Black Leopards, in Thohoyandou.
“With our cup run coming to an end, Mgwigwi has expressed his desire to not continue, as he has done what he was requested to do with the team. We tried to convince the coach to at least stay until the end of the season, but without any success,” said the club’s chairperson, Lusapho Mzwakali.
“Although it was the wish of the club’s executive to keep the status quo, we respect the coach’s decision and we would like to wish him well.”
The club will therefore soon embark on a process to fill the head coach vacancy. In the meantime, the club’s technical director, Archie Dyeli, who holds a CAF B licence, will stand in as the caretaker coach and will be assisted by two assistant coaches, Athenkosi Sali and Wiseman Mdunana, who both hold SAFA D licences.
Amavarara won last weekend’s game 4-1, beating another PE side, Peace Makers FC, at home in Komani.
Luxolo Lumkwana’s brace and goals from Athenkosi Lafota and Anele Thwani were enough to give the home side a win and they are now in seventh place in the league with 31 points.
Amavarara were also honoured for their contribution and sterling performance in sport by Councillor Wongama Gela last week at the Mayor’s Excellence Awards.
