Saenda has since opted to serve the Queens as a stand-in coach assisted by Sam Kanyenda, who was Kaliati’s assistant, NAM president Rosy Chinunda confirmed on Tuesday.
“That was the initial offer [to serve as head coach], but he said he would be more comfortable working as technical director which is a senior post. In the short term, he will take charge of the Queens’ immediate assignments until we hire Kaliati’s replacement,†Chinunda said.
Saenda, who took the Queens to number one position in Africa and fifth in the world at the turn of the century, was removed in favour of Kaliati in 2008.
Kaliati maintained the Queens’ continental dominance only to throw in the towel. NAM had, before turning to Saenda, tried in vain to coax back the woman who was also MTL Queens mentor.
Saenda, whose immediate assignment is the 10-nation championship scheduled for May 7 in Tanzania, yesterday confirmed that he would be the interim coach.
“We indeed discussed with NAM last week and my piece of advice to them was that I am not getting younger. I will not be there for ever. I have done my part; hence, we need to groom coaches who can take the team to the next level,†said the man who is also Escom Sisters mentor.
Saenda hinted at grooming retired Queens’ international players with vast experience in the current generation of Queens can respect.
“I asked them to suggest names of up-and-coming coaches to be part of the team and learn the coaching ropes. I gave NAM a clue by suggesting Mary Waya, Connis Mhone and Peace Chawinga Kalua,†he explained.
NAM might find it difficult to have Waya, who is working as a consultant in Tanzania on a reported one-year contract back.
