Masimba Dinyero fired

MASIMBA Dinyero has become the first casualty of FC Platinum's poor start to the current Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season. He was shown the exit door yesterday.

The club's spokesperson Chido Chizondo confirmed parting ways with the former Dynamos midfielder. She said the decision to sack Dinyero was made by coach Lloyd Mutasa.

Ironically, it was Mutasa who handpicked Dinyero for the post nine months ago. FC Platinum was expected to announce Dinyero's replacement last night.

"Masimba Dinyero and Lloyd Mutasa have agreed to part ways due to some differences," Chizondo said yesterday.

"Mutasa felt he could not work with him anymore. Mutasa has the power to fire members of his technical team, the same way he has the powers to appoint them. He said he wanted a new assistant coach and we should meet him later today (yesterday) when an announcement for a new assistant coach should be made," she added.

Dinyero was appointed to the position in July last year to replace Tendai Chikuni who was then reassigned to the team's developmental side.

The reason for the divorce between Mutasa and Dinyero, two people who have religiously worked together before, could not be immediately ascertained with a source only saying their relationship had deteriorated. The two could not be reached for a comment, but Chizondo said: "I think they had few disagreements."

The relationship between Mutasa and Dinyero started in their playing days at Dynamos before working together as player coaches at the now defunct Sporting Lions in 2002. Before arriving in Zvishavane last year, the two had previously worked together at Kiglon, Highway, Shooting Stars, Flame Lily and Dynamos.

Dinyero's dismissal could be a consequence of the team's poor start to the league.

The well-sponsored side has managed only two points from a possible nine against what many would describe as beatable opponents.