BB appoint Yasin as head coach
It’s Yasin, but not as in Osman.
Nyasa Big Bullets have appointed their former technical committee chairperson Rodgers Yasin to replace Burundian Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan as head coach.
Initially, Bullets had planned to pay a K500 000 fine for them to continue using assistant coach Eliah Kananji who does not possess CAF B licence, which is the minimum qualification for a Super League coach.
But the People’s Team general secretary (GS) Albert Chigoga said there had been change of plans such that Yasin will take charge until the end of the season.
The development also puts to rest reports that were filtering through that Bullets were planning to re-engage their legend and former coach Kinnah Phiri, who parted ways with Tanzanian top league side Mbeya City early this week.
“After thorough consultations, we have resolved that Yasin will be in charge as he has the required qualifications. He will work hand-in-hand with Kananji, but there will be conditions attached.
“He [Yasin] also has a background with the team having served as immediate-past technical committee chairperson and as a player,” said the Bullets GS.
However, according to Weekend Nation findings, despite being an assistant coach, Kananji will be calling the shots behind the scenes.
But Yasin on Friday expressed ignorance on his appointment.
“Officially, I am not aware. But I received a call yesterday from Bullets secretariat, asking me to go there this morning [yesterday] for a meeting and that is where I am heading to.
Maybe the meeting is to do with that issue, I wouldn’t tell,” he said.
Nevertheless, Yasin whose highest qualification is a CAF A licence, said he would be ready to take up the task.
“I will not be new in the Bullets technical set-up having served as technical committee head last season alongside Gilbert Chirwa, Thom Kazembe and Enos Chatama.
“We came up with plans and recommendations which were supposed to be adopted by the coaching panel this season. Unfortunately, when Ramadhan was hired, our tenure was not extended.
“Kananji is already doing a good job and it will just be a matter of patching up here and there,” he said.
However, Kananji on Friday said he was also not aware of Yasin’s appointment.
“I am afraid I cannot comment because I am hearing it from you. I have not been informed anything to that effect by the bosses,” he said.
Under Kananji, Bullets have won nine games and lost only one. Last weekend, he led the People’s Team to their third Carlsberg Cup glory.
Yasin played for Bullets between 1981 and 1986 before he ‘crossed the floor’ to Lali Lubani Road, where he had a stint. He was also an on-and-off Flames player between 1979 and 1983.
He also served in the technical panel of the now defunct Escom United FC.
