Silver Strikers boss quits
Silver Strikers chairperson McDonald Mafuta-Mwale has resigned citing pressure of work as the reason. He has since been replaced by his deputy Oscar Mabulekesi.
His resignation comes barely a week after Big Bullets chairperson Kondi Msungama also threw in the towel, but the only difference is that unlike Msungama, Mafuta-Mwale has not been forced out.
Mafuta-Mwale has taken a bow with his head held high having had an eight-year successful tenure that saw the Bankers win an average of a silverware every season, including winning the TNM Super League championship five times. They also won the Standard Bank Knockout Cup twice.
“Due to pressure of work, I will not be able to dedicate much time to the club as was the case before and, regrettably; I had to make such a tough decision.
“Oscar Mabulekesi, who was the vice-chairperson, has taken over and I have no doubt that he will take the team to greater heights because he is a very able man and I can safely say I have left the team in good hands,” said Mafuta-Mwale.
He appealed to supporters, players and club management to give his successor all the support he requires.
The free-spoken official said he will have fond memories of the seven years he spent at the helm of the Bankers, considered one of the biggest football teams on the domestic scene.
Mafuta-Mwale was also a model of modesty and played down suggestions that winning silverware every season is his main feat.
“I think what I would cite as my biggest achievements are helping it grow and organisation to the extent that it now has a huge fan base. So, my contribution in that aspect will always make me proud when I look back,” he said.
Asked if he had any regrets, Mafuta-Mwale cited the ugly scenes that occurred during the 2013 Super League decider between Silver and Mighty Be Forward Wanderers that led to the death of a fan, Lemisai Josita.
“Such ugly scenes should not be allowed to happen in our game. We were eventually deducted nine points and I would say that that contributed to our failure to win the league for the fourth time on the trot,” he said.
