Silver hire Dutch coach
Silver Strikers have hired Dutch coach Pieter de Jongh on a two-year deal, it has emerged.
The Central Bankers company secretary Peter Masiye confirmed the hiring of the new coach, but could not be drawn to disclose his identity until after his arrival.
He said: “The coach has vast experience with a proven track record and we took our time because we wanted to engage an ideal one.”
Masiye said they expect the new coach to win the TNM Super League and at least a cup in his first season.
“It is a performance-based contract which will be reviewed annually,” he said.
The Nation has, however, established that his last job was with Somalia national team and that the coach is expected in the country on Sunday.
He signed his contract on Monday after Silver’s sponsors, Reserve Bank of Malawi, gave their seal of approval following a meeting with the club’s management, according to sources.
Apart from Somalia, where he spent only four months, de Jongh also had a stint with e-Swatini national team, Sihlangu.
He has also coached FC Platinum and Highlanders in Zimbabwe whom he guided to Super Cup and Chibuku Cup honours, respectively.
The A licence holder led Highlanders to a 17-match unbeaten run and guided them to end a four-year silverware drought.
De Jongh has also coached AFC Leopards in Kenya, FC Cape Town in South Africa and Budapest Honved, among others.
According to transfermarket.com, he prefers the 5-4-1 diamond formation.
He has 31 years of experience.
Veteran players and coaches’ scout Ben Chiwaya said considering Silver’s desperation, “there will be an awful lot of expectation for him to deliver”.
He said: “But he is experienced and has a background of having coached some of the top teams in Africa. So, he should be able to handle the pressure.”
De Jongh will replace Zambian Dan Kabwe, who was fired last July.
After his removal, the club engaged McDonald Yobe and later on Leo Mpulula in an interim capacity.
The Area 47-based side in Lilongwe had one of their worst seasons last year in which they finished without a silverware.
They finished fifth in the 16-team TNM Super League.
The last time they won the league was 10 years ago.
