Editors PickNational Sports

BB, Nomads coaches say expectations should be realistic

Nyasa Big Bullets mentor Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan and his Be Forward Wanderers counterpart Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman on Thursday said accomplishing set targets is a collective responsibility.

They were reacting to targets set by their respective teams.

Ramadhan

According to Bullets chairperson Noel Lipipa, they expect Ramadhan to win the Super League title and a minimum of two cups while their cross-town rivals have challenged Osman and his charges to end their 11-year league title drought and defend the Carlsberg and Fisd Challenge cups.

Said Lipipa: “The targets we have set for him [Ramadhan] and the players are to win the title and a minimum of two cups and we feel they are realistic.”

He also revealed that the Burundian tactician has been offered a three-year contract subject to annual review, saying it is performance-based.

Osman

Reacting to the targets, Ramadhan said: “It’s easy to talk [but] what should be borne in mind is that the task of achieving success does not lie in the coach alone. All the other major stakeholders—the players, officials, sponsors and supporters—have a role to play to achieve that.

“It’s not about me, it’s we because united we stand and divided we fall. So, we can even achieve more [than the set targets] but it will not come on a silver platter. We all need to pull in the same direction and ensure that the needs of the coaches and players are met.”

Bullets newly-appointed captain John ‘Kintu’ Lanjesi said they are determined to meet the targets.

“We are prepared to achieve even more as long as we get the required support from the club and the fans. It is all about commitment and hunger,” he said yesterday.

Last season, Bullets management set a treble as a target, but they only won the Presidential Cup and were dethroned as league champions by Kamuzu Barracks (KB) FC who relegated them to a second-place finish.

In the Nomads camp, trustees chairperson Rashid ‘Rashy’ Gaffar, club vice-chairperson Gift Mkandawire and general secretary Mike Butao on Tuesday addressed the players and technical staff as they rolled out their preparations for the new season at College of Medicine Sports Complex.

In a bid to motivate the players and technical panel to achieve the set goals, the players were formally informed that winning the league will earn them automatic participation in the CAF Champions League courtesy of the sponsors Be Forward Limited.

The club has also dangled 80 percent share of the [K15 million] prize money if they win the league and in addition to that, they stand to share 100 percent of the first round winner’s prize.

On his part, Osman who is yet to sign a new deal, said: “It is achievable, no doubt about that. But from a technical point of view, we all have a duty to contribute towards the set goals.

“There has to be harmony among the stakeholders and everyone has to play a part. If players will be paid in time and if the coaches requirements are met, then it can be done.

“In fact it was pleasing to note [during the meeting] that the players are even more determined. So, it’s not just about the technical panel or the players. It is supposed to be a collective responsibility,” he said.

Despite winning two cups, the Nomads finished on unenviable sixth in the league.

However, Silver Strikers general secretary Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda said they have not set any specific targets for the coach and players.

“We will not set any targets, but we expect a better performance.

“Targets make the coaches to work under pressure and as a result, they fail to deliver. We, therefore, do not want to create unnecessary pressure and panic,” he said.

Nevertheless, head coach Young Chimodzi said they too are eyeing the league championship and at least a cup.

“Looking at how we performed last year, we weren’t that bad and we will maintain 80 percent of the squad and beef up where we noted shortfalls. We, therefore, expect to challenge for the title,” he said.

The Bankers finished third in the league and also lost in the finals of the Carlsberg Cup to Wanderers in post-match penalties.

During the recent Malawi Defence Force (MDF) gala awards, KB chairperson Major Gift Njete said their target is to retain the league title.

Apart from winning the league, KB were also losing finalists in the Fisd Challenge Cup to Wanderers.

Another MDF side Mafco, also said their sights are set on winning the league title; hence the move to beef up their coaching panel by appointing Temwa Msuku as head coach, replacing Thomas Maloya.

Blue Eagles, who set the pace last season by winning the first round, have said a new committee that will be ushered in tomorrow,  will set targets for the forthcoming season.

“It is only proper that the incoming committee should set the targets,” said the club’s general manager Gabriel Chirwa.

Related Articles

Back to top button