Mutombo quits as Pirates coach
2007-09-25 07:57
Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates coach Bibey Mutombo became the first PSL coach to lose his job as he tendered his resignation on Monday night citing his deteriorating health as one of the main reasons for his decision.
In a letter addressed to club chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza - published on the club's website - the coach highlighted other factors such as his security adding that his "life is in danger and my health begins to suffer".
The coach also appeared to have lost control of the dressing room and such was evident in comments attributed to some unnamed players in reports following the match against Golden Arrows on Saturday. This much Mutombo admitted in his letter.
"The unhealthy climate that reigns in the team does not allow me to practice my profession in all serenity," he said.
But to many observes this was a long time coming and it would have been a matter of time before the DRC national was forced to walk. His resignation follows a reported meeting with the team management on Monday following yet another disappointing day in the office.
Pirates had gone to Durban on Saturday hoping for a positive result against Golden Arrows and after 53 minutes, they appeared headed for their second victory of the season with a Destin Makita goal. But as it has been the case all season, the Bucs ship lost their radar and Arrows clawed their way back with two goals on 58 minutes and 83 minutes to condemn the visitors to their third defeat of the season.
"The Ghost" - Pirates supporters - were livid and vented their anger at the coach as he left the stadium. It was the second time that Mutombo had to endure such treatment.
On August 25, Mutombo got the shock of his life after a 1-0 defeat against Wits at Milpark, as an angry mob bayed for his blood and he had to be whisked away in a police vehicle. And while his contract was due in November, he finally relented.
"To this effect, please accept my resignation from September 30, 2007. And, I specially intend on your personality to be able to adjust, in all objectivity, all my rights," said Mutombo.
Pirates said in a statement on their official website that an announcement with regards to a replacement would be made in the next 24 hours.
However, it is likely former national Under-23 and Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba - their current team manager - could be roped in while the search for a permanent replacement continues.
- SuperSport