National Sports

Brothers’ show

 

They meshed potently in terrorising defences in the 1990s and now the Mpinganjira brothers—Bob and Albert—have teamed up again as coaches at Be Forward Wanderers.

The Nomads have promoted Bob to head coach, replacing seasoned tactician Yasin Osman who has been elevated to the technical director’s role which fell vacant following the death of Jack ‘Africa’ Chamangwana.

The mini reshuffle has also seen Albert being elevated from reserve side coach to assistant coach for the senior team, a position previously held by his elder brother while the club’s former midfielder Sherry Msuku will take over the mantle at the reserve side.

Bob (L) and Osman captured at one of the Nomads’ games

Osman confirmed the changes in an interview yesterday, saying: “The changes have been made for two reasons. First, the death of Jack created a vacuum and also the club wants to expose the younger coaches so that I work behind the scenes to offer technical advice.”

Asked if the development has taken some pressure off him in view of the team’s poor start in their TNM Super League title defence campaign culminating in the five-game target, the Nomads TD said: “I would say partly yes because I will not be actively involved in the actual coaching and team-selection.

“But as an overseer, I still remain part of the set-up as I will be expected to offer technical guidance.”

On his part, Bob whose first task was yesterday’s league game against Red Lions in Mangochi, said he is excited with the new challenge.

“It is a big and exciting challenge as it provides me a chance to prove my worth. The good thing is that it is more or less the same set-up and I will be looking forward to Yasin for advice and guidance.”

Asked how he looks forward to working with his brother, Bob said: “It is a very rare occurrence, but I look forward to his assistance.

“Of course we played together as twin strikers, but this is a different stage altogether.

“What is clear though is that we’ll have to distinguish between being brothers and coaches for the same team.”

He, however, conceded that taking over the team after winning the league title last season, creates some pressure.

“There is always an awful lot of expectation from the fans, but it is one of those things and I will handle.”

The Nomads general secretary Mike Butao confirmed the changes in an interview with MBC Radio 2FM on Saturday

Prior to yesterday’s game, the Nomads were 10th on the log table with eight points having won twice, drawn twice as well and lost once.

Related Articles

Back to top button