Zimbabwean foot ball club Highlanders have confirmed that incoming head coach Thabo Senong returned to South Africa on Friday.
According to the club, his return would allow immigration authorities to process his work permit.
Senong, who is set to take charge at the Bulawayo giants, arrived in Zimbabwe on Monday last week ahead of the new season.
In a statement released on Friday evening, the club dismissed social media claims suggesting that Senong had been deported.
Highlanders said Senong’s departure was a standard immigration procedure.
Senong’s work permit application submitted
According to the club, it submitted Senong’s work permit application on Wednesday, 7 January, after receiving the required cover letter from the Sport and Recreation Commission.
“The Immigration Department acknowledged receipt of the application in good order, with an application tracking number issued,” the statement said.
Immigration officials advise Senong to leave temporarily
The football club said regional immigration officials later visited the club and advised that Senong should leave the country while his permit is being processed.
Officials reportedly warned that remaining in Zimbabwe or engaging in football-related duties could jeopardise the application.
Following the advice, the club arranged an afternoon flight for Senong to return to South Africa on Friday.
Immigration authorities have indicated that the work permit process is expected to take between one and three weeks.
Assistant coach takes charge in the interim
Highlanders chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla said assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube will continue to oversee the team’s pre-season preparations while Senong awaits clearance to return.
The club said it will communicate further updates once the work permit process is finalised.
