Tendai Chikuni was on Thursday unveiled as the new Chapungu coach on a three year contract.

Chikuni who won the Central Soccer League championship with Shabanie Mine last year takes over from John Nyikadzino who resigned at the end of last season.

Chapungu chairman Fungai Makhuyana said they settled for Chikuni because of his ‘attractive’ curriculum vitae which gave him an edge over other aspiring candidates.

“We had a large pool of candidates to choose from but at the end we chose Mr Chikuni because he impressed us because of his experience and knowledge of football. He has travelled extensively in the region and also coached locally making him the right candidate to suit our ambitions,” said Makhuyana.

Chikuni acknowledged the task ahead of him after Chapungu finished a disappointing 13th position last season but was quick to declare that he was targeting a top eight finish at the end of the 2017 season.

“I was lured to Chapungu by the desire for a new challenge after winning the Central Soccer League championship with Shabanie Mine last season. I know there is a lot of work that needs to be done but with team work and effort we can achieve a top eight finish at the end of the season,” said Chikuni.

“I will start by assessing all the players including those who were on loan last season so that we build a stronger team. I am very much confident that we are going to do well this season and continue building from there in the years to come.”

Chikuni who was twice caretaker coach at FC Platinum in 2012 and 2013 following the departure of Rahman Gumbo and Tenant Chilumba will be assisted by former Chapungu midfielder Clement Mugari who was also assistant to Nyikadzino last season.

Former goalkeeper’s coach Brighton Muchambo returns to the technical team in the same capacity after years in the wilderness which also saw him coach at now defunct Hardbody.