Zimbabwe: Bakala sacked as CAPS United coach

Zambian Ian Bakala has been sacked as CAPS United coach in the Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) after finishing the 2025 season empty-handed.

A statement issued by the Harare-based club on Monday confirmed the immediate departure of the former Chipolopolo player and his entire technical panel.

“Caps United Football Club would like to announce that, following the successful achievement of our technical team’s top priority—saving the club from relegation in the second half of the season—the current technical setup headed by our son, Mr Ian Bakala, has been dissolved, after successfully serving and completing its purpose,” the statement reads.

“The Management would like to express its deepest gratitude to Ian Bakala and the entire technical team for their tireless efforts, dedication, and commitment to the club during their tenure. We appreciate the significant progress made and the sacrifices rendered in a short period.”

CAPS United did not indicate who would be in temporary charge of the Green Machine, but only indicated that “new appointments will be communicated in due course.”

Bakala has left alongside assistant coach Alexio Sigion, goalkeeper coach Witness Mnkuli, fitness trainer Henry Chikombe and team manager Limited Chikafa.

How did Ian Bakala perform at CAPS United?

Under the former Lusaka Dynamos coach, CAPS United finished in ninth place on the 18-member log table, a distant 26 points away from champions Scottland FC.

The Zambian arrived at CAPS United as an assistant coach following the redeployment of the previous head coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, to the technical director’s role. It was expected that Makepekepe would appoint a new head coach, but the club ended up promoting Bakala.

The former Chipolopolo star inherited the team when it had collected just eight points from 10 games, while placed fourth at the foot of the 18-member log table.

Bakala won the league championship twice with Lusaka Dynamos back home in Zambia.