Nomads coach pleads for patience
Mighty Wanderers FC coach Gerald Phiri has said he is ready to step down if the club feels he has failed to deliver, but appealed to the Nomads failthful to remain patient.
Phiri was reacting to calls from some of the team’s fans who demanded his removal soon after the Nomads’ 0-1 loss to Azam Tigers in a Super League match on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The fans staged a protest just outside the dressing rooms’ entrance, claiming that Phiri has failed to perform citing the team’s 3-1 win over Mafco in his abscence last weekend as proof.
“I understand the fans’ position because they want results, but what I can say is that it is just a mere coincidence that the team lost in my presence yesterday and yet won in my absence last weekend.
“We have won quite a number of games while I was available and, therefore, the theory that I am the reason for the team’s poor results, does not hold water. This was just one of those bad days for us and I would appeal for patience from the fans,” said Phiri.
He added: “Nevertheless, if the supporters convince the team’s management that I should go, then I am ready to step aside.”
Phiri also said his target for the second-round is to win at least 10 games and register two draws.
“Realistically, I had also anticipated two losses because we cannot win all the games,” he said.
He also attributed the loss to management’s ill-timing of paying the players their outstanding rentals and upkeep.
“It is not an excuse, but I do not think it was a good move to pay the players their long-standing dues on the eve of the game (Friday) because it might have affected their level of concentration,” said Phiri.
He said over the years, he has developed a thick skin as a coach and was not worried with the calls for him to step down.
“It’s one of those things that happens to a coach in football, but the crucial part is how one reacts to such a situation,” said the Under-20 national team assistant coach.
