Sithole’s contract to expire in February

Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ title winning coach Mike Sithole’s contract is set to elapse in February next year. The coach is yet to be offered a new contract as he enters the final three months of the two year contract he signed in 2014.

 
The decorated coach’s position has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks following the arrival of Pio Paul as his assistant plus the club’s inconsistent form prior to their victory this past weekend with some suggesting that Paul could be his successor if the club does not regain top form.
Although the club is quick to dismiss the mentioned school of thought, his pending contract negotiations will continue to raise questions of whether or not the club wants to keep him. Chiefs’ Public Relations Officer Clifford Mogomotsi told Gazette Sport that contract talks have not taken place but suggested that an evaluation of the coach’s tenure will determine how the situation will pan out.

 
“We have not held talks yet. Both parties are aware that the two year contract is close to elapsing. We will evaluate his tenure in due time, discussions will be held concerning his contract. The board will make a final decision on whether or not his contract will be renewed. We had to make additions to the technical staff, he gave us his blessing to appoint Paul,” Mogomotsi stated.

 
Chiefs’ trophy drought in the Mascom Top 8 is believed to be the club’s obsession as they aim to win to end their jinx in the competition. Mogomotsi once told this publication that winning the competition would enhance the coach’s chances of prolonging his stay, the PRO reiterated the statements in an interview with this reporter.

 
“The Mascom Top 8 is the only trophy we have not won, we want to rectify that this season. Winning the competition would mean that he has reached the targets set by the club. Bearing in mind that his contract ends in February, if he reaches the latter stages of the competition by that time he will have a strong case to prolong his stay. I am not implying that the Top 8 is the only determining factor, it could be important as he would add to his league triumph which was the first phase of our targets. A lot will be discussed but for now we have nothing else to add on to what I have stated,” Mogomotsi concluded.

 
History suggests that Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ management team is hard to please, winning a league title does guarantee a long term stay for a coach. Madinda Ndlovu left the club in 2013 despite leading them to successive league titles, Sithole is under threat to follow the same fate despite winning silverware in his first season.