Coaches gagged? Chitembwe, Kwashi lament lack of f...

Coaches gagged? Chitembwe, Kwashi lament lack of freedom of expression

Philemon Jambaya

ASSISTANT EDITOR

CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe and Chicken Inn assistant coach, Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi hit out at what they perceive as a stifling lack of freedom of expression for coaches in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.

This follows Chitembwe’s disciplinary case for criticising match officials and CAPS United’s summons after their abandoned fixture against FC Platinum.

Chitembwe, following his team's 2-0 loss to Highlanders, refused to elaborate on the match, calling it “pointless” without “freedom of expression”.

“There is so much unnecessary scrutiny,” Chitembwe said. “Coaches used to freely express themselves, delve into the details of the game. But someone somewhere critically analyses what I say ... It’s unfortunate, some information you withhold.”

Kwashi echoed Chitembwe’s sentiments, advocating for coaches to “speak the truth” without fear of fines.

“Don’t fine them for saying the truth,” Kwashi argued. “In Europe, coaches say the truth without getting fined ... Give coaches the freedom to say things as they are.”

Kwashi’s comments come after Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas faces disciplinary action for criticising referees following their loss to Manica Diamonds.

The ZPSL has urged coaches to use proper channels to address grievances with match officials.

This controversy comes amid another abandoned match, with Chegutu Pirates and Dynamos involved in a dispute over a disputed goal.