New week, new captain

Kaizer Chiefs yesterday appointed yet another captain, their third of the season.

Itumeleng Khune, the club's international goalkeeper, was given the job three days after coach Vladimir Vermezovic revealed that Jimmy Tau had been demoted to the ranks.

Tinashe Nengomasha, the Zimbabwean hardman, was appointed on Monday to succeed Tau, with Vermezovic saying the club had "four captains". Whether Nengomasha will ever lead the team on the field remains to be seen, but as of yesterday his reign was the shortest in the history of the club.

Chiefs, in keeping with the coach's "four-captains" remark, have appointed a group of four senior players to support Khune's captaincy. They are Nengomasha, Kaizer Motaung Jnr, George Lebese and Tlou Molekwane.

The club said the latest decision had been taken after consultations between coach, technical team and club management. It again denied that a dressing-room bust-up between Tau and Vermezovic.

Meanwhile, Sunday Chidzamba of Black Leopards yesterday became the third Premier Soccer League coach in the new season to lose his job.

He follows Manqoba Mngqithi, who was sacked by AmaZulu and replaced by Roger Palmgren, and Ernst Middendorp, who was replaced at Golden Arrows by the itinerant Muhsin Ertugral.

Chidzamba took over from Heric , who has agreed to a two-season contract and will be in his fourth stint at the club . Chidzamba remains at the club, but in a different position.

Club boss David Thidiela said Chidzamba had asked to be relieved of the coach's job.

"Sunday is a very good man and is respected by all the players in the team. I can't forget what he did for us last season. The man did wonders and I can't just let him go now that we are in the Premiership. He remains part of the club and I'm happy he decided to stay."

Leopards have also signed out-of-work Benedict Vilakazi, who was offloaded by Mamelodi Sundowns in January, until the end of the season.

Vilakazi said he was looking forward to helping his new club, which is second from the bottom with only six points and one win in eight games. Only Jomo Cosmos are below them.

"I want to thank Leopards management for giving me a chance to continue to play football and I want to work hard for the success of this team," said the former Bafana midfielder.

"They are a good team with good players and I believe together we can take this club to the next level."

Chidzamba said their shaky start to the season influenced his decision to step down.

"I told the chairman about my decision and I wanted to return home but he asked me to stay. He promised to give me a new role in the team. I have a cordial relationship with Thidiela, so I decided to stay," he said.