Nomads boss defends choice of coach
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president and board chairperson Thomson Mpinganjira has defended the process that was used to hire head coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan and his backroom staff.
There have been mixed reactions from some quarters within the blue side of town on the choice of Ramadhan.
In an interview, the philanthropist and business magnate said there were several factors that were looked into in choosing the coach and the assistant coach.
Mpinganjira, who is also Mighty Wanderers 2021 Limited major shareholder said: “Of course, there will always be different opinion or perspectives on such topics.
“But it has to be understood that the recruitment committee, which included technicians in the field, were looking for someone who met the requirements and convinced them that he was the right person for the job.
“Among others, they were looking at someone who was result-oriented with proven hands-on coaching knowledge, achievements and experience.”
“This was also after a review on what wasn’t going right previously. So, it was a very competitive process and I would urge the Wanderers family to give the new technical panel all the support.”
Meanwhile, one of the club’s director Tiya Somba-Banda, who heded the recruitment task force, has said Ramadhan is expected in the country during the first week of March to take up his new task.
The former FCB Nyasa Bullets coach currently coaches Tanzanian Premier League side Ihefu who are 11th in the 16-team league with 16 points from 15 matches, 24 points behind leaders Young Africans half way the contest.
This will be Ramadhan’s second stint at Lali Lubani Road as he had a brief spell with the Nomads in 2001.
He is remembered for his successful romance with FCB Nyasa Bullets between 1997 and 2001 in which he led the People’s Team to three successive league titles.
Ramadhan, who also had a stint with the Flames as an assistant coach and later caretaker coach in 2015, will be assisted by former Flames gaffer Meck Mwase and Nomads’ legend and former coach Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman as the technical director.
Stevie Madeira is also back as team manager while Simplex Nthala and Levi Mwale have been maintained as goalkeeper coach and team doctor, respectively.
The technical panel has been hired on a season-long deal and have been given a target to win the league and at least two cups.
Ramadhan could not be reached for his reaction to the set targets, but Mwase described them as achievable.
He has replaced British coach Mark Harrison who resigned last December and is now with Mozambican top-flight Mocambola League side UD Songo.
