Mpinganjira speaks on coach’s departure

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president Thomson  Mpinganjira has come out of his shell to speak on the club’s former coach Mark Harrison’s departure, saying he was not in good terms with the board.

The Briton stepped down as Nomads head coach on Christmas Eve, hours after the Nomads were booted out of the Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup by their age-old rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets 4-2 on post-match penalties after playing out a one-all draw in regulation time.

In an interview yesterday, Mpinganjira, who doubles as the Lali Lubani Road outfit’s board chairperson said: “Almost all the time the former coach was at the club, he was fighting or being fought.

“On the one hand, there was a time he was captured and misled. That was [eventually] sorted out. But what followed were poor results and he pitted himself against the board.”

The business mogul and philanthropist, who was responsible for the expatriate coach’s perks believed to have been around $4 500 (about K7.65 million a month), described the situation as “unpleasant and toxic”.

He said: “Sadly, he [Harrison]  was also not amenable to a different view. He played some players out of position.

“But contrary to the general view to fire him, the cost implications were huge, so I allowed them to fight as both sides had the best interests of the club.”

On whether he had any regrets taking him on board, having failed to meet the crucial targets, including winning the TNM Super League title and at least two cups, Mpinganjira smiled and said: “Well, what I can say is that at the end of the day, we have all learnt a few key lessons.”

Harrison, who was recently appointed head coach of Mozambican top-flight league side UD Songo, was not available for comment yesterday, but in an earlier interview soon after the club accepted his resignation, he said he had no regrets whatsoever.

Part of the coach’s resignation letter addressed to Mpinganjira, reads: “Please accept this letter of my official resignation as technical director/head coach of Mighty Wanderers FC.

“As discussed at length during our meeting earlier today [December 10 2023], there are many reasons for my decision, some internal of the club itself, but also external factors within Malawi football.

“Thank you for your understanding and the acceptance of my resignation.

“I would also like to thank you for all the support you have given me and my family during my time with the club. It has been greatly appreciated in the very difficult circumstances we have constantly experienced throughout the 2023 season.”

Initially, the Nomads hired Harrison as a technical director in 2022, but he was offered the coaching role as well in the same year after the club parted ways with Alex Ngwira.

The British tactician went on to guide the Nomads to win the Zamadolo Airtel Top 8, but could not win any silverware in the just-ended season.