Sithole's future uncertain at Chiefs

Michael Sithole’s future at Mochudi Center Chiefs still hangs in the balance with club officials still reported to be huffing and puffing to have a final word.

News reaching Sun Sports paints a gloomy picture on his future with indications that already the then highly-sought after Zambian gaffer has already clashed with his number two Keitumtse Pio Paul. Paul recently joined the defending champions as an  assistant coach after the Kgatleng side had gone for almost two seasons without an assistant coach. 

Since his arrival, Chiefs have shown signs of rejuvenation and already they are neck to neck with other title contenders. Sithole’s two year contract is coming to an end at the end of next month. He joined the Mochudi side from Extension Gunners at the time he was tasked with winning the league title, which he then delivered.

Although he was also mandated with winning the Mascom Top 8, his side was knocked at the tournament’s entry level although this time around they have moved in to the semi finals. On his final year of his contract, Sithole is also still with the chasing pack of the league championship.  Late last year, reports had linked Sithole with Gaborone United, the club with which he first won silverware in Botswana - the inaugural beMOBILE Primer League Championship.

This was after he had jumped ship with his current employers who brought him from Zambia. However, sources have hinted that Chiefs’ head honchos are divided on his sacking, with some feeling that he be given a few months’  extension until  end of the season with a fear that could they let him go a change of philosophy might affect the team with the eventuality of losing out on the league title and the Top 8 title.

Others in the team want him gone, arguing that Paul can handle the club for the remaining bit of the campaign. “There is nothing concrete to talk about relating to that matter,” the club’s spokesperson told Sun Sports. “We are resuming training on Tuesday and that’s when we will discuss various things,” Clifford Mogomotsi told Sun Sports.

Though Sithole’s future is unclear with Chiefs, reports from Gaborone United suggest that club officials have backtracked their initial thought of hiring him, and they have instead chosen to go with Dutch-born Mart  Nooij who is likely to arrive in the country at the start of next week. This week will thus prove critical for Sithole with the club likely to announce whether they  let him go or extend his stay.