TellZim reporter
Gweru -Former ZPC Munyati head coach Rutherford Matondo has joined fellow central region Division One side TelOne FC in a move that will see him deputizing Tendai Chikuni who is the current head coach at the Givona branded side.
Matondo was the head coach of the power utility side, a post he had held for a bigger part of his career.
The CAF C license holder commended the support he has received from the community at large throughout his tenure at “Tigers”.
He leaves former assistant, Jeremiah Neganda as the interim head coach.
Speaking during an interview on the side lines of his movement, the former ZPC Kariba coach said the move to TelOne was in search for greener pastures though his heart will always be with Munyati.
“I have coached at Munyati for a long time now and have grown bigger with the community and football here. l felt it was high time l try other avenues but my heart will always be thankful of the support l have received from my pay masters.
“Every game is a memorable one because Munyati was more than a home. I will forever be grateful for the support l received from the community and my former pay masters,” said Matondo.
Matondo leaves an unbeaten home streak at Munyati Stadium which dates back to 2018.
One passionate supporter at Munyati said that all support goes to Matondo’s decision and wish him all the best.
“Matondo travelled with the club for a long time now. He knew all bounds but we are proud on his decision to move on. We wish all the best for him.
“Matondo’s time at the resort town is not only memorable on the league games but is also recognised in talent spotting,” he added.
Former Dynamos gun man Takunda Mawarire (19) and ZPC Munyati left back Walter Siwela (22) were spotted by Matondo.
From 2019 Matondo has added value to careers of Lloyd Gwerina (currently with ZPC Kariba), Washington Nevaya (currently with Highlanders), Shelton Sibanda (currently with Bulawayo City), Tafadzwa Chimoyo, Elton Njini and Kudzai Munape all with ZPC Munyati.
Matondo’s central region expertise date back to 2015 when he went 13 games unbeaten in his first division one season from division 2 but the team succumbed to a tantrum flop due to financial constraints.
2016 saw him assisting head coach Gift Tembo at Munyati. The Zenith of his career dates back to 2019 when the power utility side finished one point shy of the then league leaders Whawha.
Wasu as he is well known also coached Chrome Stars (2007) before assisting Samuel Kaseke, ZPC Kariba (2006), Black Stars (2002) and Jit Fc (1999 – 01).
Meanwhile the central region league resumed this week after a week’s break due to holidays and the surging Covid-19 cases.
Chapungu lost 2 nil to a stubborn Vumbachikwe at Vumbachikwe Stadium, with Sheasham edging Beitbridge side Dulibadzimu in a match described as a cracker.
The students from MSU conceded a poor late header to allow battalion based side Tongogara to leave Gweru with full set of three points.
The ‘WiFi Boys’ were scheduled to play Bishopstone but Ascot Stadium was barred from hosting due to pitch floods.
Kwekwe United eased over Loss Control at Mbizo Stadium.
