Bob, Nomads part ways

Mighty Wanderers have released five players and coach Bob Mpinganjira as the Lali Lubani outfit prepares for the 2022 season.

A statement from the club on the team’s squad for the forthcoming season shows that Mike Kaziputa, Simeon Singa, Richard Rabson, Lucky Malata and Hanky Machila will not be part of the Nomads.

The Blantyre-based giants have also reshuffled their technical panel which is now headed by Eddington Ng’onamo, who will double as technical director.

Bob’s brother Albert, who was the first assistant coach, has been demoted to second assistant coach while Joseph Kamwendo is now the first assistant coach.

Simplex Nthala is the third assistant coach and physical trainer while Foster Namwela has been maintained as team manager.

Bob was not available for comment but explaining the technical changes, Wanderers board secretary Humphreys Mvula said Bob, who is Flames assistant coach, never returned to Wanderers after returning from Cameroon Affrica Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.

“He [Bob] is out. He never came back to the team after returning from Afcon,” he said.

Notable new faces in the 2022 Nomads squad include Chiukepo Msowoya, Miracle Gabeya, Lloyd Mugala, Muhammad Sulumba, Odekereke Kalowole, Joseph Balakasi, Bakilinho Mwakanyongo and Ephraim Khondowe.

Meanwhile, one of the released players Singa has joined newly-promoted TNM Super League outfit Sable Farming while Rabson is on his way to Ekwendeni Hammers.

The decision to release Singa and Rabson has drawn the wrath of some supporters, who feel the two players deserved to stay.

Most of the supporters commenting on the squad after it was posted on Wanderers official Facebook Page, said the Nomads need youthful players such as Singa and Rabson.

One of the supporters, Steve Kagona said: “We are doing things under pressure. We are rushing for good results and running away from developing a good team of youthful players.”

Another supporter Sameer Kasenda accused the Nomads of scrambling for leftovers from others clubs at the expense of its youthful talent.

“Where is Rabson and Singa? That’s the future of Wanderers. You’re busy with left-overs from other clubs instead of grooming the young talent.”

The Nomads finished last season without a trophy and are hoping to reclaim their spot as a domestic football powerhouse in the 2022 season.