CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe, often referred to as the club’s “lifetime” manager, found himself at the centre of a storm on Sunday after the Green Machine’s 1-2 defeat to Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro Stadium.
The frustrated fans made their voices heard by blocking Chitembwe’s car from leaving the stadium, demanding his dismissal.
The situation escalated when Chitembwe stepped out of the vehicle to exchange words with some of the irate supporters.
The tense scene eventually required police intervention, who escorted the coach out of the venue.
This loss marked CAPS United’s third defeat in their last five matches of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, leaving the team languishing in 16th place on the log with just four points.
They now sit three points ahead of bottom-dwellers Triangle, who are in 18th. Said Chitembwe:
It is the sole responsibility of a coach to make sure that the team wins, so it is my responsibility no one else.
I am that kind of a person who does not shy away from that kind of a responsibility.
So, l am responsible for this because every decision that l make, are a reflection on the team.
Commenting on the fan anger, Chitembwe said it was natural for fans to be upset over the run of poor results, as they expect the team to win. He said:
The results are what matters, when they are not coming, people naturally react, and this is very normal.
There is nothing abnormal with that kind of a reaction and as a club we have to find a way to manage the situation.
Chitembwe is one of three coaches who have enjoyed more than five seasons with one club in the league, the other two being Norman Mapeza of FC Platinum and Joey Antipas of Chicken Inn.
CAPS United’s next fixture will be against old rivals Highlanders in the “Battle of the Cities” this coming weekend.
More: NewZimbabwe.com
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