Silver targets Ndawa, Phiri, Mpulula
The Bankers’ chairperson Dr. McDonald Mafuta-Mwale on Tuesday said while he still sticks to his guns that Malawi has recycled coaches, the intention now is to engage any of three before looking beyond the borders. None of the three has been at Silver before.
“I still stand by what I said, that in Malawi we are just recycling coaches and the intention to look beyond the borders is still there.
“But before we do that, we would like to try the good ones that we have not tried, so I can confirm that we are targeting Ndawa, Mpulula or Gerald. These are in the frame because we feel apart from being good coaches, they can also instil discipline,” said Mafuta-Mwale.
The Silver chairperson said the final decision on who to take on board will be made by the club’s management.
However, Mafuta-Mwale was elusive when asked whether the three have already been approached. The coaches themselves were also noncommittal when contacted for comment.
Said Ndawa: “They have not approached me. So, I am afraid I cannot say whether I would be interested to take up the job.
“However, should I be approached, then I will think about it,” added Ndawa who led the Nomads to the Presidential Cup glory and is also in contention for the TNM Super League title.
Wanderers acting chairperson Gift Mkandawire confessed that it would be a big blow for his side to lose Ndawa’s services.
“It is the first time I am hearing that, but what I can say is that it will be very painful to lose Franco because he has been the backbone to our success this season. But we cannot stand in his way, though, if there would be prospects for a better move,” said Mkandawire.
On his part, Mpulula asked for more time before commenting on the issue.
Tigers chairperson Sydney Chikoti said Mpulula has a running two-year contract with the club.
“So, in the event that he decides to leave, then we will have to follow the normal process. We cannot block him from leaving.
“We also need to review his [Mpulula’s] performance at the end of the season because the reason we hired him was to improve the team’s position, but it would seem we are still stuck at the same position,” said Chikoti.
Phiri also expressed ignorance on the matter.
“I have not been approached and as such I cannot say much, but the fact that they have shown interest means that they appreciate my capabilities. However, for now, I am still contracted to Bullets.”
Mafuta-Mwale also said some members of the current caretaker coaching panel of Thom Mkorongo and players Hellings Mwakasungula, Itaye Nundwe and Sibusiso Padambo would be maintained in the future setup.
