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Silver hire Chimodzi

Silver Strikers have re-engaged their legend and former Flames coach Young Chimodzi after axing Stein Chirwa and his backroom staff due to poor performance culminating into their Carlsberg Cup 0-3 humiliating defeat at the hands of Big Bullets.

Chimodzi’s hiring comes almost two months after he was sacked as Flames head coach.

Chirwa: I will embark on fishing
Chirwa: I will embark on fishing

The Bankers’ acting general secretary Fred Kalonga yesterday confirmed the axing of Chirwa alongside his deputy Peter Mgangira, team manager Francis Songo, his assistant Itaye Nundwe and goalkeeper trainer S’busiso Padambo.

“The executive committee has resolved to mutually terminate the contracts of the head coach and his backroom staff except for the kit master and the team doctor.

“It was felt that we have failed to a certain extent, but to a larger extent they have also failed us. We are currently in the process of drafting letters terminating their contracts and we shall meet them on the same,” said Kalonga.

He also confirmed that Chimodzi, who for the past 30 years has had on-and-off attachment with the club, has been taken back on board.

“He [Chimodzi] will be deputised by Lovemore Fazili and we will soon identify a new team manager,” he said.

Chimodzi yesterday confirmed having been offered the job, but was quick to point out that they were yet to conclude the deal.

“They indeed approached me, but we are yet to agree on some key issues because I would love to come in as an adviser sort of other than a coach as it was about two seasons ago when I worked with Stein and we managed to win the [Super League championship].

“But we should reach a common understanding later today [Wednesday],” said Chimodzi.

Ironically, the seasoned coach also said he does not believe that the main problem is coaching.

“There could be some shortfalls, but there are minor, to me I think the bigger challenge is management style,” he said.

However, The Nation could not get Kalonga’s reaction to Chimodzi’s comment as he was tied up.

Chirwa could also not be reached for comment on Wednesday, but last week he told The Nation that he would have no problems if the club decided to fire him.

“When the team is not doing well, the coach shoulders the blame and I am ready to face whatever decision comes. Of course, we are not doing well, but the problem is that we sold six key players without replacing them, the squad needs to be beefed up.

“If they want me to go, that’s okay. Ndipita kwathu ku Nkhatabay ndili ndi bwato, ukonde ndizikawedza nsomba mwina a Nkhata Bay Select or Nkhata Bay Rangers akandiwona. [I will go to my home in Nkhata Bay, I have a boat and I will embark on fishing. Who knows maybe Nkhata Bay Select or Nkhata Bay Rangers will be interested in my services],” said Chirwa.

Silver are also struggling in the Super League in which they finished first-round on eighth position with 20 points having won six, lost six and drew two games.

Before Big Bullets won the league championship last season, Silver had won it three times on the trot. Last season, they also won the Standard Bank Knockout Cup.

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