Staff reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa has secretly identified candidates for grooming to replace his old guard, as he continues to consolidate his power within CCC.

A source within the CCC revealed that Chamisa was already in the process of grooming potential executive leaders in anticipation of the exit of the old guard that include Tendai Biti, Professor Welshman Ncube, Chalton Hwende, Murisi Zwizwai and others of the Sesedza movement.

“It has become a public secret within the CCC circles that Chamisa has started grooming, Gift Siziba, Takudzwa Ngadziore, Maureen Matemaunga and Happymore Chidziva to be his close lieutenants to replace the old guard whom he suspects of plotting against him,” said the source.

Furthermore, Chamisa is said to be working in cahoots with one Unopa Makanyanga of Harambe Trust to groom the chosen future leaders.

“Chamisa has tasked Makanyanga of Harambe Trust to train and impart leadership skills in the four selected individuals. Mukuru arikuda vanhu vaanozo controlla (Chamisa wants people whom he could later control),” said the source.

Ironically, Chamisa omitted Fadzayi Mahere from his list of potential executive leaders due to her alleged alliance with the Sesedza Movement, a faction within CCC that is reportedly not happy with Chamisa’s leadership.

“Mahere is not part of the potential executive leaders because Chamisa does not trust her. Although previously Chamisa and Mahere were close lieutenants, of late Chamisa has been suspecting Mahere of working with Biti and the Sesedza faction to undermine his leadership. Chamisa also suspects that Mahere is involved with ZANU PF officials hence he does not know where her loyalty lies,” said the source.

Meanwhile, CCC members are reportedly disgruntled with the delay in the release of names of candidates who triumphed during that candidate selection process and are accusing Chamisa of interfering with that process to impose his cronies.