Silver Strikers summon coach De Jongh

Silver Strikers Football Club have summoned their head coach Pieter de Jongh to a virtual disciplinary hearing today over his off-pitch conduct.

Among others, the Dutch coach is expected to be asked to explain his recent demand for K500 million in compensation for alleged breach of contract relating to medical and vehicle insurance as well as accommodation rentals.

When asked yesterday if  he will appear before the disciplinary hearing, in an interview yesterday, the outspoken coach said: “Based on recent communications with Silver Strikers Company Limited and myself, the position is very clear and we all know what needs to be done.”

He could not be drawn to comment further.

But last week, De Jongh said he would only be comfortable to attend the hearing in the company of his lawyer.

He also insists that despite reports linking the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit to former FCB Nyasa Bullets assistant coach Peter Mponda, he is committed to see out his contract and will return to work on January 28 to start preparations for the 2024 season.

The Central Bankers’ chief executive officer Patrick Chimimba was not available for comment yesterday, but he confirmed the hearing in an interview yesterday with Zodiak Broadcasting Station, saying the committee will provide details after the meeting.

De Jongh has almost a year remaining on his two-year contract.

He was given a target to win the TNM Super League title and at least two cups in his first season.

Under De Jongh, Silver finished as runners-up in both the league and Ibongetse Castel Cup.

They were losing semi-finalists in Zamadolo Airtel Top 8 and failed to make it past the round of 16 in the FDH Bank Cup.

However, De Jongh argues that he failed to meet the targets because the club did not provide him with the players he proposed to be signed and disturbances in the team’s training due to the absence of some players who were with the Flames.