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Bosso dismisses alleged deportation of its new coach
17 hrs ago |
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Highlanders FC have moved to clarify circumstances surrounding the return to South Africa of their incoming head coach, Thabo Senong, following widespread speculation on social media that he had been deported.
The Bulawayo giants confirmed that Senong flew back to South Africa last Friday as part of standard immigration procedures while his Zimbabwean work permit is being processed. The club dismissed reports suggesting the South African coach had been deported for failing to secure the necessary documentation, describing them as false and misleading.
Senong, who is set to take charge of the Bosso technical bench ahead of the new season, arrived in Zimbabwe on Monday last week to begin preliminary engagements with the club.
In a statement issued on Friday, Highlanders said the coach's departure was routine and in line with guidance from immigration authorities. The club revealed that it submitted Senong's work permit application on Wednesday, January 7, after receiving the required cover letter from the Sport and Recreation Commission.
"The Immigration Department acknowledged receipt of the application in good order, with an application tracking number issued," the club said.
Highlanders further explained that regional immigration officials later visited the club and advised that Senong should temporarily leave the country while his permit application is being processed. Officials reportedly cautioned that remaining in Zimbabwe or undertaking football-related duties could jeopardise the application.
Acting on this advice, the club arranged an afternoon flight for Senong to return to South Africa on Friday.
Immigration authorities have indicated that the processing of the work permit is expected to take between one and three weeks.
In the interim, Highlanders chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla said assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube will continue to oversee the team's pre-season preparations until Senong receives clearance to return.
The club said it will keep stakeholders informed and provide further updates once the work permit process has been finalised.
The Bulawayo giants confirmed that Senong flew back to South Africa last Friday as part of standard immigration procedures while his Zimbabwean work permit is being processed. The club dismissed reports suggesting the South African coach had been deported for failing to secure the necessary documentation, describing them as false and misleading.
Senong, who is set to take charge of the Bosso technical bench ahead of the new season, arrived in Zimbabwe on Monday last week to begin preliminary engagements with the club.
In a statement issued on Friday, Highlanders said the coach's departure was routine and in line with guidance from immigration authorities. The club revealed that it submitted Senong's work permit application on Wednesday, January 7, after receiving the required cover letter from the Sport and Recreation Commission.
"The Immigration Department acknowledged receipt of the application in good order, with an application tracking number issued," the club said.
Acting on this advice, the club arranged an afternoon flight for Senong to return to South Africa on Friday.
Immigration authorities have indicated that the processing of the work permit is expected to take between one and three weeks.
In the interim, Highlanders chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla said assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube will continue to oversee the team's pre-season preparations until Senong receives clearance to return.
The club said it will keep stakeholders informed and provide further updates once the work permit process has been finalised.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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