Mpinganjira spoils Wanderers players

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president Thom Mpinganjira has directed that the Nomads players should share the entire K17 million Airtel Top 8 winners’ prize money as a token of appreciation for a job well done.

Nomads players are entitled to 50 percent of the prize money, but the business magnate and philanthropist could not resist the temptation of rewarding them after defying the odds to beat their age-old rivals Nyasa Big Bullets 5-4 on post-match penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.

Visibly floating on air, Mpinganjira made the announcement at his Nyambadwe residence on Sunday when the team presented the trophy to him on arrival from Lilongwe.

“All the prize money should go to the players, they deserve it,” he said amid ululation from the players and the fans.

He also dedicated the cup to the supporters.

Sporting a Nomads replica jersey and appearing free and easy, Mpinganjira said: “Hats off to the players and your technical team. To our beloved supporters, you deserve special mention.

“You have been ridiculed, taunted and insulted. You have suffered for a long time, but you remained loyal to your team. I say thank you.

“This triumph has been dedicated to me and, in turn, I dedicate it to you.”

The club’s chair of chairs Clement Stambuli and board secretary Chancy Gondwe said the club owes its success to Mpinganjira for investing his personal resources.

Said Stambuli: “Had it not been for your support, we couldn’t have been where we are today. Because of your unwavering support, the team has touched lofty heights and even neba [Bullets] can attest to that.”

Wanderers coach Mark Harrison and the players dedicated the cup to Mpinganjira and their supporters.

Said the Briton: “This is for the president. The guy loves the club and he gives everything.

“The players, technical staff and, of course. our supporters have been amazing.”

Team captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr also hailed Mpinganjira, saying before the game, they agreed to give something extra for his sake.

He said: “For all that he does for the club, we just had to reward him in a special way and we are glad it happened.

“Our supporters also deserved a special way for being with us through thick and thin.

“Even when we failed to win anything for four years, they never abandoned us.”