Chapungu are facing a coaching crisis after it emerged that their mentor Rodwell Dhlakama is on official leave until mid-April.

Dhlakama’s future at the club has been subject to speculation after he left for Eswatini side Matsapha United where he claims is coaching as part of practicals of a course he is undertaking.

Dhlakama’s assistant Clement Mugari who is overseeing the pre-season preparations does not hold the requisite CAF A badge to sit on the bench when the season opens on the 30th of March.

Some of the Chapungu fans who spoke to Soccer24 questioned the wisdom of the club’s executive to let former coach Tendai Chikunin leave the club.

“My question is, whose boy is Dhlakama among the executive members or the people at the top. Last season he did the same thing again. Ever since he came on board, he has been playing truant. What was the wisdom of letting go Tendai Chikuni who seemed loyal and take Dhlakama,” said one fan.

Another fan weighed in: ” Is it a modus operandi at Chapungu only where we hear of coaches going on leave after coming off from offseason. Last year when they wanted to get rid of Chikuni we heard that he was on leave. Things are not tallying here, are they in the league to win something or they are just there to cause agony to their fans.”

Chapungu have for the past couple of seasons been fighting against relegation.

Another Gweru based side TelOne are also in a quandary of the coaching department as their coach Joel Luphahla does not have the CAF A licence. Reports have linked Jairos Tapera with the job.