Bullets settle for Phiri as coach
Big Bullets have appointed Gerald Phiri Senior as coach, as replacement for Eddingtone Ng’onamo, and Lloyd Nkhwazi as his assistant, club chairperson Malinda Chinyama said on Monday.
Chinyama gave the hint when asked about their plan B in view of Ng’onamo’s hiring as Flames caretaker coach.
“Gerald [Phiri] has understudied Ng’onamo for a long time. We have confidence and trust in them. They understand the discipline at Bullets,” Chinyama explained.
Ng’onamo, who won Bullets the Presidential Cup and a possible second league place, wants to concentrate on the Flames job, which according to FAM and government, ends in June.
Ng’onamo, who is yet to be communicated to on terms of his engagement with FAM, declined to comment on the matter.
Nkhwazi told MBC Radio One last week that he and Phiri were capable of taking over the reins.
On Monday night, Phiri said he needed to sit down with Bullets management before taking up the challenge.
“While I have no problem taking over, it is important that we should, at the end of the season, first present a report to management, listen to their terms, then take it from there,” said Phiri.
Bullets supporters’ committee treasurer Frank ‘Nyau’ Msiska yesterday hailed Ng’onamo, adding: “Gerald and Nkhwazi know the corners of the team. They have gained experience.”
In the Flames, Ng’onamo will work with Patrick Mabedi and Ernest Mtawali as his assistants whereas Charles Manda takes up interim team manager’s role.
Since the Flames’ role is temporary, Manda has since accepted to replace the late Dave Mpesi as coach for Peter Mutharika Southern Region Football League Premier Division side, Chikhwawa United.
