Silver target clean sweep
Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) outfit Silver Strikers have set a clean sweep of silverware as part of the targets for their new head coach Dan Kabwe.
The Central Bankers board of trustees chairperson Victor Madhlopa yesterday confirmed the Zambian tactician as their new coach on a two-year deal to be assisted by McDonald Mtetemera and McDonald Yobe while Peter Mgangira is the new team manager. On the other hand, S’busiso Padambo has been retained as goalkeeper trainer.
“ [We expect him] to win every game and to play entertaining football associated with Silver Strikers.
“Winning every game means winning all the available cups and the TNM Super League,” he said.
Kabwe replaces the legendary Young Chimodzi who announced his retirement at the end of last season after a distinguished career spanning 34 years.
On the choice of the Zambian mentor, Madhlopa said: “Mr. Kabwe has vast experience which will help revitalise the Silver football philosophy that the team is known for. He was once attached to English Premier League side Arsenal and has coached big teams in Zambia.
“He is a good coach and we are looking forward to an exciting season for the Central Bankers’ followers.”
The Silver board of trustees chairperson also said Mtetemera will be an assistant coach responsible for defence while Yobe’s task will be the attacking aspect.
He said about 15 coaches applied for the coaching job and eight were short-listed.
“From the eight, four were foreigners while the rest were locals.”
Kabwe could not be drawn to comment on the set targets and how he looks forward to his new task, saying he will wait until he is officially unveiled.
“For now, I will keep the cards close to my chest because I do not know the club’s etiquette.
“I would better wait until we finalise the deal and everything is signed. Otherwise, I am afraid I will be commenting on things that are beyond my jurisdiction,” he said.
Kabwe, a holder of Uefa B coaching license, is one of the most respected coaches in Zambia who won the Premier League title twice with Zanaco FC in 2002 and 2003.
He also had a stint in Swaziland where he won the Swazi Cup with Mhlume United.
The 59-year-old coach was once Zambia national team assistant coach as well as technical advisor and until recently he was in charge of Lusaka Dynamos.
He is also president of the Zambia Football Coaches Association.
Meanwhile, the Central Bankers have also appointed National Youth Football Association general secretary Thoko Chimbali as their chief executive officer (CEO).
Madhlopa said the CEO will spearhead the club’s commercialisation drive.
“Over 100 people applied for the job and from those that were short-listed, Mr. Chimbali stood out,” he said. Silver, who are the reigning Airtel Top 8 champions, finished fourth in the 2019 TNM Super League after tying on 53 points with third-placed Blue Eagles, who had superior goal difference. Nyasa Big Bullets defended the title with 70 points while Be Forward Wanderers finished second with 69 points.
