Amir Selmane Rami Bensebaini of Algeria is challenged by Khama Billiat of Zimbabwe during the Afcon Group B match between Algeria and Zimbabwe on the 15 January 2017 at Franceville Stadium, Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
by
Phumzile Ngcatshe
Thursday Apr 06, 2017. 11:30
The vacant Zimbabwe national coaching job has attracted bout 600 candidates and one of them is a top Belgian manager, Ronny Van Geneugden.
Van Geneugden is reported to be headlining the list of several European coaches who have displayed their interest in leading the Warriors side.
ZIFA wants to appoint a coach to fill the void left by former coach Kalisto Pasuwa last month, as he was relieved of his duties.
Reports in the country indicate that the local football governing body is yet to advertise for the vacancy, but it is understood to be desperately looking for Pasuwa’s replacement with the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers looming.
Suitors have not waited for ZIFA to advertise the job, with information gathered showing that big-name coaches from across the globe are interested.
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According to News Day sources, former Belgian Premier League side Genk and Second Division side Oud-Heverleen Leuven's coach Van Geneugden is one of the candidates who have sent their CVs through.
The Belgian mentor is currently jobless after managing Enosis Neon Paralimni in the Cypriot First Division.
He has knowledge of Zimbabwean football, having worked with players like Ovidy Karuru during his time at Oud-Heverleen Leuven.
However, ZIFA vice-president, Omega Sibanda has declined to give names, but confirmed there were several European coaches as well as some from neighbouring South Africa who had applied for the biggest coaching job in Zimbabwe.
“Like what the president (Philip Chiyangwa) said, we have received over 600 applications. We have more than six from Belgium, three from Czech Republic and five from Slovakia,” said Sibanda.
“They are just too many applications and others are from South Africa, Zambia and some from Botswana.”
However, Phillip Chiyangwa's deputy sounded like they would not rush into appointing a substantive coach for the Warriors despite the AFCON Qualifiers starting in June.
Meanwhile, reports also suggest that ZIFA would want interim coach Norman Mapeza to continue with the team.
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