Mighty Wanderers president Thom Mpinganjira has told the club’s players that they should not expect a rosy world just because the team has turned commercial.
The business magnate and philanthropist said this on Friday morning when he had an interface with the players at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
He said: “I am very excited to meet you. I have always been a Wanderers supporter and that is why I accepted the call to come in and assist. It was because I was touched with reports that the team was struggling financially and that you were not getting paid.
“But one thing we have to understand is that we are going through a transformation process and there will be need for sacrifice and understanding from all stakeholders, including you because there are so many challenges and, therefore, it will not be an overnight exercise. However, I want to assure you that priority will be you, the players, because you are the integral part of the team.”
Mpinganjira said considering the current economic climate, which has been worsened by Covid-19, the going will continue to be tough for sometime.
He also appealed to the players to be disciplined, saying potential partners and sponsors would not want to be associated with an entity that has a bad image.
“We need to give prospective sponsors and partners confidence by avoiding violence and hooliganism. You need to be highly disciplined.
“When you have concerns or grievances, don’t rush to demonstrate or strike. We have put in place structures that you are supposed to report to.
“Over and above that, your performance will also be key in attracting potential sponsors. So, you should strive to give out your best always,” said Mpinganjira.
To that effect, the Nomads president asked the players to come up with a committee which will include the captain and players from both the senior and reserve sides through which to channel their concerns.
Speaking on behalf of players, team captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr said they were excited to have an interface with their new president.
He briefed Mpinganjira that some of the challenges they face include contractual issues, game bonuses and bureaucracy when it comes to addressing their concerns.
“With the setting up of the company and you at the helm, we are hoping for the better,” said Manyozo.
Early this year, before he was appointed president, Mpinganjira bailed out the club by pumping in K24 million towards players and technical staff salaries.
