Nomads dared on CAF tourney
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president and board chairperson Thomson Mpinganjira has given the club three months to prove that it can stand the heat in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederations Cup.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, the business mogul and philanthropist said the players will have to prove that they deserve to take part in the continental showpiece through performance.
“We still have up to June or July to decide on the tournament and during the Meet and Greet Dinner we had on Wednesday, I challenged them to prove it. So, let us wait and see,” he said.
Mpinganjira also said during the event, held in Blantyre, he outlined his expectations to both the players and the technical panel to win the TNM Super League and at least two cups.
“But interestingly, they challenged me with even more ambitious targets. So, the ball is in their court, I will be anxiously watching from a distance,” he said.
Mpinganjira said during the dinner, he interacted with the technical staff and all the players.
“I had chats with everyone on their tables and it was a wonderful interaction,” he said.
Mpinganjira was also quoted on the club’s official Facebook page as having said: “It’s up to you to play in a CAF tournament or to be playing in Karonga, Mzuzu, Lilongwe or Kamuzu Stadium.
“If you perform well, we will be motivated to support you to participate in international tournaments. It’s entirely up to you, not us.
“We are going to continue providing you with incentives if you perform on the pitch. In some cases, I am prepared to double or triple your bonuses when you win. I expect improved performance this season.”
In an interview yesterday, on the set targets, the club’s technical director Yasin Osman said: “It is important to set targets because as a big club it should drive both the players and technical team to aim high as that is what is expected of them and players know that they stand to achieve more in terms of incentives and recognition by winning trophies.”
On whether the targets are realistic and achievable, the veteran tactician took a long breath and said: “Oh yes! If neba [rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets] can win the league and three cups, what can stop us from winning the league and two cups?
“I believe that last season, the team failed to win silverware because of the players’ mental attitude, but if they are focused and we pull in the same direction, it will be done.”
Newly-appointed team captain Lawrence Chaziya assured Mpinganjira that as players, they will try their best to meet his expectations.
“We will try hard to make the president, board, supporters, sponsors and the entire Wanderers family happy this season,” he said
The Nomads, who finished third last season, start their campaign against Kamuzu Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday.
