Mpinganjira dares Nomads players, fans

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president Thomson Mpinganjira says the result in Saturday’s Airtel Top 8 final against their fierce rivals Nyasa Big Bullets will determine whether he should continue bankrolling the club.

The business mogul and philanthropist said this yesterday when he met the team’s players and technical staff in the countdown to the latest episode of the Blantyre derby scheduled for Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Appearing relaxed, Mpinganjira, who doubles as board chairperson, said he expects the team to reward him with a cup come Saturday.

He said: “You have won five consecutive games without conceding, then why should you lose on Saturday?Or perhaps are you afraid?”

To which the players responded with a defeaning: “No!”

Mpinganjira then said: “Go there and win. Sponsorship is very hard to come by. Please be serious and deliver.

“A win on Saturday is all I am asking for as my malipiro [reward], if you win this game, I will continue, but if you don’t, then it will be difficult.

“I will not watch the game, but be assured that I will be with you in spirit and I wish you the best of luck.”

He also met the supporters committee and asked them to reach out to their members on the need to be disciplined.

Said Mpinganjira: “It costs us not less than K1.5 million in fines when supporters misbehave. So, I urge you to get organised and control your fellow supporters.

“In the good old days, Wanderers fans used to be well-behaved and were known as azungu. Actually, it was Bullets supporters who were known for hooliganism.

“But now, it is the other way round. Please, from Saturday let’s change and begin a new chapter. If not, then I will go.”

The team’s captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr assured Mpinganjira that they will fight every inch of the way for his sake.

“Mr. president we appreciate everything that you do for us and we know that the only way we can repay you is through results and we’ll fight on Saturday,” he said.

On his part, supporters committee general secretary Chifuniro Chilambe said through networking, they have already started controlling supporters.

He said: “In the past three games or so, the situation has been calm because of the mechanisms we have put in place. No supporter is being allowed to invade the pitch or go anywhere near the dressing rooms.

“Bwana [sir], you can be assured that such acts will not happen again because we are in close contact with our members.”

Head coach Mark Harrison said Saturday’s game provides the players an opportunity to start a new chapter for the club.

“So, don’t be distracted by supporters or board members, concentrate on the task at hand. We have to be united,” he said.

The club’s board secretary Chancy Gondwe, who doubles as company secretary, thanked Mpinganjira for taking time to motivate the team ahead of the derby.