Mighty Wanderers FC Tuesday kept a tight lid on the outcome of their crisis meeting held at their clubhouse on Monday evening.
However, an inside source confirmed that the meeting agreed to fire the Franco Ndawa-led coaching panel in an attempt to breathe a new lease of life into the blue side of town.
The names that were thrown into fray as possible replacement for Ndawa included the team’s legend Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman and Azam Tigers mentor Leo Mpulula.
“Those that topped the list as Ndawa’s possible replacement were Yasin and Mpulula.
“However, the majority felt they should go for someone who is familiar with the culture at Nomads and Osman looks the most likely candidate for the position of coach whereas Kannock Munde might be engaged as team manager.
“The meeting also agreed to handle the issue of the coaches removal with caution as there are issues of outstanding dues,” said the source.
Nomads general secretary David Kanyenda, who doubles as legal adviser, refused to comment on the outcome of the meeting.
“What was agreed yesterday [Tuesday] is classified information and not yet for public consumption,” said Kanyenda.
Reacting to the development, the club’s former chairperson Humphrey Mvula described the situation as sad.
“Most of us are ashamed that the team is going through such a poor run when it has a huge reservoir who can be looked up to in terms of technical, financial or administrative direction,” said Mvula.
He also said the team is suffering effects of not marshalling the necessary resources.
“The issue of removing the coach at the moment might just be an attempt to deal with symptoms and not the cause of the problem. It is like giving a malaria patient who is feeling cold a painkiller or a blanket. So, there must be a very critical analysis,” said Mvula.
He also suggested that the club’s current leadership cannot be the judge and the jury at the same time.
“Let me also declare my interest that by commenting on issues at Wanderers it should not be viewed as if I am aspiring for any position because I am past that stage.
“I am doing this in the interest of the team that is dearest to my heart and indeed many others because when the team is struggling, it affects some of us emotionally to the point that we fail to eat and do other things. It is a source of our pride,” said Mvula.
The Nomads called for a crisis meeting after a string of poor results that culminated in a section of the fans demanding the coach’s removal. They have lost four consecutive matches.
