Nomads new expatriate TD worked with Kinnah
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers new expatriate technical director (TD) Mark Harrison once worked with former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri at Free State Stars in South Africa.
In an interview yesterday, the all-time Flames’ leading scorer hailed the Briton as a “very good and experienced coach”.
Kinnah claimed that the former Everton Under-23 and Bristol City coach was part of his backroom staff as an assistant coach between 2014 and 2015.
Said the Flames legend: “We had a good time together, a well-versed coach who has lots of experience and I believe Wanderers will benefit a lot from his expertise, “though he is coming in a different role”.
“He has travelled far and wide and I wish him well at Wanderers. They will not regret engaging him, but he needs to be given time to bring out his best.”
Harrison, whose last role was head coach for Kenyan giants Gor Mahia FC, confirmed yesterday having worked with Kinnah.
He said: “Yes, we did work together at Free State Stars, nice guy.”
The 61-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Nomads to try and revitalise the oldest club in the country.
But Harrison said he was hired as a technical adviser and not an assistant coach.
He said: “I actually went there as technical adviser on a three-month contract, but ended up getting involved on the day-to-day operations of the team.
“At that time the club was in bad shape on-and-off the field. So, I went to help out and give input, but it was shambles. I regret my involvement with Free State Stars.”
On arrival in the country on Tuesday, Harrison said the project of turning around the Nomads’ fortunes will not be easy.
He said: “It is a process and it is not going to happen overnight.
“I know that they [Wanderers] are the oldest club in the country and one of the two biggest teams lacking a bit of success in the recent past.
“Obviously I need to see games to get an idea of where we are. As TD, it’s not just about the first team, but also the reserve and Under-20 teams. I need to have a look at all the three teams and help the coaches.”
Harrison has also had stints with top-flight league clubs in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. His notable achievements include winning the Botswana Premier League with Township Rollers and the Chibuku Super Cup with Harare City in Zimbabwe.
