Fathi heading to SA, Kenya

Former Highlanders coach Mohamed Fathi will soon be heading to either South Africa or Kenya for his next job, his manager has said. 

Omega Sibanda could not be drawn to say to which soccer club the Egyptian native was going to save to say the mentor was heading to South Africa or Kenya for interviews.

"We are still waiting. He (Fathi) is going to Kenya or South Africa for some interviews," Sibanda said.

There had been wide speculation that the embattled coach had sought refuge at the Egyptian Embassy in Harare but Sibanda yesterday said Fathi was in Bulawayo and was only waiting for visas to travel to South Africa and Kenya.

Sibanda said Fathi had no problems with the Department of Immigration as he had extended his days and could be leaving next week.

However, Fathi's manager said the coach still had unfinished business with Highlanders who still owe him US$17 000.

Fathi had a flirtation with the Bulawayo giants from last year in September and gave a notice of resignation in August over unpaid salaries, allowances, signing-on fees and winning bonuses.

Highlanders failed to pay Fathi and the Egyptian had to seek the intervention of the Labour Court to get his dues.

There was a protracted battle in the courts with Highlanders challenging the decision of Labour Court president Justice Mercy Moya-Matshanga to have the club pay Fathi US$15 100 without hearing their side of the story.

Fathi, through lawyers Calderwood, Bryce Henrie and Partners, had made an urgent chamber application to have Bosso pay him his dues arguing he was then living in poverty on handouts from well-wishers.

Bosso applied for the matter to be taken to the Supreme Court saying Justice Moya-Matshanga's order breached their constitutional rights but that was dismissed.

Finally, Bosso were ordered to pay Fathi US$11 999 and buy air tickets for him and his family to fly back to Egypt.

Buscod Supermarkets came to Bosso's rescue and paid Fathi the money but the coach still contends Bosso owe him more money and awaits the courts to deliberate on the matter.

The coach is reported to have approached his embassy in a bid to recover his money from Bosso.

Before Fathi joined Highlanders, he had a stint with Power Dynamos in Zambia.

He replaced Madinda Ndlovu, who also had legal battles with the club until he rested his case.

Although Highlanders caretaker coach Mkhuphali "Mr Cooper" Masuku has had a fine run with the Bulawayo giants, many believe the team was built by the Egyptian.