Rookies Chikwawa United’s battle against the TNM Super League relegation has suffered a blow following the unavailability of their freelance coach Thom Mkolongo in today’s second-round duel at Kamuzu Stadium.
It has transpired that Mkolongo is not employed full-time at the third-from-the bottom Lower Shire side and the game has clashed with another assignment at his Lilongwe work place.
“Unfortunately, I will not be there because they did not take me permanently, so my working place has refused to release me. I work at Modern Academy as a physical education teacher. I cannot say about it [return to Chikwawa], but still more I am wishing them well. It’s a pity that I will miss the team because I love the working environment,” Mkolongo said yesterday.
United general secretary Evance Saiti yesterday insisted that they have a long-term contract of two days per week [Thursday and Friday] with Mkolongo who managed to preside over a surprise draw with Bullets in the first-round.
“The coach is travelling with his school team somewhere. In his absence, William Khonje and Trevor Kajawa will take temporary charge of the team in this game. We are still confident of beating Bullets as we have a full squad following the return from injuries of our first choice goalkeeper Peter Munthali and Lewis Makwakwa,” said Saiti.
However, the People’s Team general secretary Harold Fote vowed through Radio 2 FM that the newcomers should brace “for baptism of fire.
