Muchabaya tenders resignation at Masvingo United after six match winless run

Masvingo United coach Saprine Muchabaya has reportedly tendered his resignation after overseeing a 6-game winless run.

Muchabaya’s last match in charge was yesterday’s 1-0 loss away to Grand Legacy FC in a Week 19 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League encounter played at St Paul’s Musami Stadium in Murehwa. That result extended Una’s winless run to six matches, with four losses and two draws.

The loss also leaves Una Una stuck in 8th place on the log with 23 points, 14 points adrift of leaders Yadah FC.

The news comes amid what sources describe as a deepening crisis at the club. Reports from Masvingo point to a power struggle within the executive, and players are said to be owed several months’ worth of salaries.

The financial strain has already triggered exits, with former midfielder Hillary Bakacheza joining Deportivo La Murambinda FC as soon as the mid-season transfer window opened a few days ago.

Muchabaya joined the ambitious side at the start of this season as a prodigal return. During his career as a player he turned out for Kambuzuma FC, Shabanie Mine FC, Masvingo United FC and Mutare City Rovers FC, where he became Player-Coach during their stint in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in 2016.

He later crossed over to Mozambique where he coached several teams before making the return home to Masvingo early this year. He replaced Tonganai Mugeji, who was sacked late last season after the club finished third despite being genuine championship contenders.

But the season quickly turned sour.

In his post-match assessment yesterday, Muchabaya hinted at troubles behind the scenes without going into detail.
“We played very well but we go back again, we conceded another set piece, we take another loss away from home,” he told Fanzone.

“I will not say much about the situation here because it is a little bit complicated. We will just keep on working and try to stabilize the team because most of the players are not yet with the team but, there is nothing I can do, we will just continue working with the players who will stay with us.”

The last line suggested the possibility of a mass exodus.

Following this latest development, Fanzone understands that the Masvingo United executive, led by Secretary General Sunganai Shonhai, are currently locked in a meeting pondering the next chapter for the club.

With the league entering a crucial phase and Una sitting mid-table but far off the pace, the next 48 hours could define the club’s season.

This is a developing story. Fanzone will bring you updates as they come.