BB contradict on Ndawa, exco says not aware of his hiring

Contradicting statements have emerged from Nyasa Big Bullets camp over the hiring of coach Franco Ndawa with the bulk of executive committee members claiming that they were not consulted.

Ndawa was unveiled as Bullets coach during the team’s training session at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre last Friday by technical director Billy Tewesa.

However, when asked to confirm about the former Azam Tigers, Silver Strikers, Be Forward Wanderers and Red Lions coach, the People’s Team’s general secretary Titha Mandiza yesterday said she was in the dark regarding his appointment.

“All that I know is that the issue of engaging a permanent coach was shelved and that is why [Lloyd] Nkhwazi was appointed head coach in an interim capacity.

“The interviews for the position were postponed and I was surprised to learn that Ndawa had been unveiled during [last Friday’s] training.

“Perhaps you should find out from my colleagues or the supporters committee chairperson Stone [Mwamadi] because I gather he was directly involved in the process,” said Mandiza.

The club’s chairperson, Samuel Chilunga, who is reported to have effected the appointment, refused to comment on the matter, while vice-chairperson Sadiki Malinga, treasurer Noel Lipipa and vice-treasurer Alex Gondwe also said they were ignorant about Ndawa’s hiring.

But vice-general secretary Kelvin Moyo said he was aware of the issue.

“A recommendation was made by the technical director Billy Tewesa and it was approved, but the only problem is that he has not yet been formally employed and perhaps that is why the other exco members are not aware,” said Moyo.

Asked whether it was proper to unveil the coach to the players and supporters without the knowledge of the entire executive committee, Moyo said: “That was an oversight on the part of the supporters, they were just excited. Otherwise, they were supposed to wait for the official unveiling in due course.”

On his part, Mwamadi also confirmed Ndawa’s appointment and claimed that the other executive members were fully aware of the development.

“Akudziwa, komano mumadziwa m’mene zimakhalira ku team kwathuku [they are aware of the development but you know what happens at our team].

“I am only urging ma pale [Bullets fans] to give the new coach full support, we need to join hands for the good of the team,” said Mwamadi who is also an exco member virtue of being main supporters committee head.