Escom regroup to start new lease of life

Escom United regrouped on Wednesday to start a new lease of life following their relegation from the top-flight TNM Super League last season.

Escom will be competing in the Southern Region Football League (SRFL) next season and chairperson Fanuel Nkhono is confident they will assemble a team capable of bouncing back within a season.

“We are regrouping and a number of top players have made their commitment to stay at the club and help us fight for promotion.

“Of course, there are other players who will leave, but they are under contract and will have to follow proper transfer procedures,” said Nkhono.

He also indicated that veteran players Kondwani Gawani and Noel Mkandawire will take charge as caretaker coaches as the team looks for a permanent coach.

The two also temporarily took charge of the club last season following the departure of Charles Manda and Aubrey Nankhuni. Later, the team engaged veteran coach Alex Masanjala.

However, Masanjala decided not to continue as the team’s coach.

Nkhono said the team will continue using the name Escom despite cutting ties with their former sponsors Electricity Corporation of Malawi three seasons ago.

“We will retain the name because it is our brand name whether we are [in partnership] with Escom or not. We will surprise people by winning the SRFL and bouncing back into the Super League stronger than before,” said Nkhono.

After losing the title by a point in 2011, Escom released most of their players.

The team paid dearly for the move when some new players failed to cope with pressure in the top league.