BB demote coach
Nyasa Big Bullets are hunting for a new head coach to take over from incumbent Mabvuto Lungu who does not hold a CAF B licence which the Football Association of Malawi (FAM)—under the Club Licencing System (CLS)—is enforcing as a minimum qualification for all Super League coaches.
The CLS, which comes into force next season, has already seen some teams recruiting coaches with recommended qualifications. Civo United have appointed Milias Pofera Jegwe, Dwangwa United have employed McDonald Mtetemera, Max Bullets have roped in Leo Mpulula while Stereo Gondwe has joined Chilumba Barracks.
Confirming the development, Bullets chairperson Sam Chilunga praised former midfielder Lungu as a good trainer, but he said his lack of the required qualifications have put the club in an awkward position.
Lungu guided Bullets to retain the TNM Super League honours with a record 16-point gap.
Ironically, all the three coaches that won silverware last season—Lungu (Super League championship), Elia Kananji (Carlsberg Cup with Be Forward Wanderers) and Oscar Kaunda (Standard Bank Knockout Cup with Civo United)—did not have the required minimum qualification.
“Lungu is a Big Bullets legend. I watched him play when I was young. But as required by the law that we must employ a more qualified coach, we will abide by the law and look for another coach,” he said.
He, however, did not disclose the name of the coach they are currently targeting, saying: “Very soon we will call you to announce the changes to our technical panel.”
Bullets have recently been linked with their former coach Kinnah Phiri who is currently technical director at Mzuni. However, Chilunga has ruled out his comeback.
Meanwhile, Chilunga has hinted that Lungu will be handed another role at the club.
“He will still be with us, but in another capacity. During my tenure I want to invest in coaches. Mabvuto is one of the coaches I want to invest in by ensuring that he has upgraded his qualifications,” he said.
FAM recently said Lungu is one of the coaches that has been earmarked for a Uefa Coaching License Course in Germany.
Lungu took over from Burundian coach Nswazirimo Ramadhan who was appointed Malawi national team assistant coach last year.
According to Chilunga, the coach, who holds CAF C licence, was not offered a contract.
“We are currently working on all the contracts, including those of the players and technical panel members,” he said.
Asked if he is aware that he will no longer be the head coach, Lungu yesterday just laughed before remarking: “I will not say anything on the issue.”
Further quizzed if he was willing to take up another role at the club, he responded while laughing much louder than before: “Just write that I was just laughing.”
