Veteran coach Rodwell Dhlakama has become the first head coach of a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League club to lose his job in the current 2024 season, following his dismissal by Green Fuel Football Club on Friday, April 26.
Dhlakama, alongside assistant coach Darlington Dodo, was relieved of their duties after just eight games, culminating in a 3-0 defeat to CAPS United on Thursday. The club officially announced their departure in a statement issued on the same day:
“Green Fuel Football Club has decided to part ways with Head Coach Rodwell Dhlakama and his assistant, Darlington Dodo. This mutual separation takes immediate effect and is based on the team’s performance in the ongoing 2024 season. It is in the best interests of both Green Fuel Football Club and the coaches.”
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The club expressed gratitude for Dhlakama and Dodo’s service during the 2023 season, where they successfully steered the team away from the threat of relegation. They wished them well in their future endeavors.
Green Fuel also disclosed that Innocent Chogugudza, the Goalkeepers’ Coach, would take over as the interim coach, with the new technical team set to be announced soon.
Dhlakama’s dismissal raises eyebrows considering the club’s current standings. Despite sitting in 12th place with a respectable 9 points, they are not in the relegation zone. Log leaders, Highlanders, have accumulated 15 points.
The Ethanol Boys are scheduled to host PSL debutants Arenel Movers at the Green Fuel Arena on Sunday afternoon.