Kinnah rebuffs BB
Former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has disclosed that he rejected Big Bullets FC offer of technical adviser because the team was doing well and the season was drawing to a close.
After losing 2-1 to Airborne Rangers in the league and crashing out of the Standard Bank Cup recently, the People’s Team hierarchy agreed to beef up their technical panel by roping in the veteran trainer.
Phiri returned home from South Africa, over a month ago, where he was dismissed as coach for top league outfit Free State Stars following a poor start to the season.
In an interview on Wednesday, Phiri said Bullets first vice-chairperson Sadik Malinga made the offer with the hope that his support would help them retain the Super League title.
“I got the verbal offer some days ago. However, I felt that the team was already doing well and that there were only few games remaining before the season concludes,” the revered Bullets legend said.
He, however, claimed to have assured Bullets leadership that he will be available if they want him to be part of their technical panel in future.
“Bullets is my team and I have had successful spells with them as both a player and coach,” he said.
The People’s Team currently tops the log table with 10 points having amassed 47 points from 20 matches. It needs at least four wins from the remaining eight matches to seal the title.
Meanwhile, Phiri said he would be willing to guide the team in the continental tournament if Bullets decide to compete.
“If they want my support especially at that level I am ready to assist. But it is up to them to approach me, if they need my services,” the coach said.
On his part, Malinga said: “Negotiations are still ongoing therefore I am not in a position to disclose or confirm anything until we have finalised.”
Kinnah’s last stint with Bullets was in 2004 when he guided them to win the league title and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Last season Bullets also made late changes to their technical panel when they brought in Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan as head coach despite the team winning the Carlsberg Cup and was on track for the league title.n
