Malembu resigns as Rundu Chiefs coach

WINDHOEK, 27 MAR – Shakes Malembu has resigned as Rundu Chiefs Football Club coach with immediate effect, just three months into his six-month contract.
The national Under-20 football team assistant coach replaced John Sikerete, who was relieved of his duties in December 2017 due to the club’s poor performance in the first leg of the 2017/18 Namibia Premier League (NPL) season.
On Monday, Malembu handed his resignation letter to the club’s chairperson stating that due to personal reasons which he could not disclose for the time being, he will no longer be the head coach of Rundu Chiefs.
In the same letter, Malembu, who was hired to save the club from relegation from the NPL, thanked the club for giving him the opportunity to coach the team, despite the journey being short.
“I have resigned on the grounds of football principles which I stand for as a coach. Therefore, I close my short chapter of football with Rundu Chiefs and wish the club all the best in their remaining league fixtures,” he said.
The coach also stated that it is important to remember that Rundu Chiefs, as a football brand, is bigger than any individual.
“I wish to state it clearly that, as football lovers and administrators, we should not let our personal interest and egos be above club agenda or priorities,” he said.
Malembu took over as Rundu Chiefs coach in January this year, with the club having 10 points from 12 games played in the first leg of the season. They were bottom of the 16-team league log.
In his 13 matches in charge of the club, Malembu lost five matches, drew six and won two to collect 12 points. The Rundu-based outfit are now 15th on the log on 22 points, six points away from surviving relegation at the current log standing.
Malembu’s assistant William Chilufiya has been appointed as the caretaker coach for the club’s remaining five league games.

NAMPA