De Jongh reacts calmly to his firing
He is often blunt, but on Friday flamboyant Silver Strikers coach Pieter de Jongh reacted calmly to the news of his firing.
The Central Bankers on Friday announced through a press release that they had parted ways with the Dutch coach, who had almost a year remaining on his two-year contract.
But sounding ice-cool in an interview from Kenya on Friday, De Jongh calmly said: “They [Silver] have done what they had to do. It’s the way it is and I will send my brief reaction soon.”
There was no hint of his usual emotions in his deep voice, just absolute calmness.
In his statement later on, he wrote: “I had the honour of being coach for the team for a season and I loved the time I spent with the players.
“When I consider the objectives, resources and challenges we met as a team, I am pleased with what we managed to achieve. I wish the team and in-coming coach all the best.”
Part of the statement from Silver reads: “Silver Strikers Limited regrets to announce the departure of Mr Pieter De Jongh from his position as head coach of the club effective 26th January 2024.
“While we appreciate the efforts and dedication Mr De Jongh has shown during his tenure with the club, the decision to part ways has been made in the best interest of the club’s future objectives and aspirations.
“Silver Strikers is committed to build a competitive team and will begin the process of selecting a new head coach soon. A search for a sustainable candidate will be conducted with the utmost care and consideration to ensure that the club continues to progress and achieve its goals.”
De Jongh was given a target to win the TNM Super League and at least two cups during his first year, but the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit finished as runners-up to FCB Nyasa Bullets in both the league and the Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup.
The Area 47-based side in Lilongwe finished fourth in Zamadolo Airtel Top 8 and could not get past the round of 16 in the FDH Bank Cup.
However, De Jongh attributed his failure to meet the set targets to management and board’s failure to provide him with the players he proposed.
Last week, the outspoken coach was summoned to a disciplinary hearing to explain his demand for over K500 million as compensation for constructive dismissal and the club’s alleged failure to pay for his medical and vehicle insurance as well as house rentals.
He did not appear before the committee, insisting that he had already made his position known to the club.
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