Mighty Wanderers president Thom Mpinganjira has said the team would have shared the FDH Bank Cup K45 million prize money had they won the final.
The Nomads lost 5-4 to Silver Strikers on post-match penalties after playing out a one-all draw at Bingu National Stadium 10 days ago.
In an interview, Mpinganjira, who doubles as Mighty Wanderers Limited board chairperson, said: “As you are aware, they [the players and technical staff] have received various game bonuses for specific targets , so this was going to be just one of them.”
When the Lali Lubani Road outfit won the Airtel Top 8 in 2022 and the Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup last year, the business mogul and philanthropist also ordered that the entire prize money should be shared among the players and technical staff.
He also rewarded them in all their three victories over arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets this season.
Mpinganjira, who is also the club’s main sponsor, said he felt sorry for the players after the match.
“Everyone at the club, including the players, were heartbroken with the results. I saw the players’ reaction in one of the newspapers and it spoke volumes of how dejected they were. It told the story better than words,” he said.
“I really felt sorry for the players because it means a lot more to them… It cost them a lot. Anyway, that is water under the bridge. Hopefully, they will pick themselves up.”
Wanderers coach Bob Mpingnjira said they have now recovered from the FDH Bank Cup disappointment and the focus is now on the chase for the TNM Super League title as well as defending the Castel Challenge Cup.
“The president always goes an extra mile to motivate the team and we owe him and the entire Nomads family, including the fans, a silverware. We will try our best not to let them down,” he said.
Wanderers received K20 million as runners-up and players receive a minimum of 50 percent of every prize money.
The Nomads lead the TNM Super League table with 51 points from 21 matches, a point above their second-placed rivals Bullets, who, however, have played a game more. They are the only unbeaten side in the flagship league.
