Nomads fire managers

In a dramatic development, Be Forward Mighty Wanderers have fired team manager Kannock Munde and his deputy Thom Milanzi and replaced them with Stevie Madeira and Chiyembekezo Zidana, but the casualties claim they are yet to get official communication.

While confirming the appointment of Madeira and Zidana, Nomads general secretary Mike Butao confirmed Munde and Milanzie were relieved of their duties due to abscondment.

“They have not been reporting for duty since December when we played Bullets. And they have not been attending review meetings despite several requests. We had to make decisions in the interest of the team. We cannot afford another poor season,” said Butao.

Ironically, the changes come barely a fortnight after Nomads reviewed their technical set-up that had Munde and Milanzi retaining their initial roles.

Munde yesterday confirmed hearing about the changes and claimed that it is because they raised an issue relating to outstanding dues backdated to last season.

“I have heard that the two [Madeira and Zidana] were introduced to the players last week, but we have not been told anything.

“However, we know what has led to all this. The club owes us a lot of money backdated to last season and we suggested that before we start a new chapter under Be Forward sponsorship, they should settle our dues and the next thing we heard were the changes,” said Munde.

He also said should Nomads fail to pay them their dues, they will seek legal redress.

“I cannot state the exact figures, suffice to say they owe us a lot of money for about six months, which includes salaries and game bonuses,” said Munde.

Asked if he is still reporting for duties considering that he has not received any communication, verbal or otherwise, Munde said: “I was busy attending a coaching course, but even then, I doubt if I will report for duties considering the circumstances.”

In a separate interview, Milanzi also claimed hearing about the changes, but he too said he was yet to be informed.

Madeira, who held a similar role at Wanderers before moving to Azam Tigers at the start of last season, confirmed his return to the LaliLubani Road.

“Yes, it is true. I am back at Wanderers. As the saying goes, once a nomad, always a nomad.

“I started last Wednesday and I was told that we would be at par with Chiyembekezo, but I am yet to get an appointment letter,” said Madeira.

According to well-placed sources, Nomads have given Madeira the task to facilitate the move of three key Under-20 national team players from Tigers, namely Isaac Kaliati, Stanely Sanudi and Boston Kabango, but Madeira denied any involvement in the process.

Neither Tigers chairperson Sydney Chikoti nor technical director Robin Alufandika could be reached for comment.