Silver to name coach ‘soon’

Silver Strikers have intensified the process of hiring a new coach to replace fired Pieter de Jongh.

In an interview yesterday, the club’s chief executive officer Patrick Chimimba said: “We should be unveiling the new coach very soon, within the month of February.”

On whether the incoming coach will be local or an expatriate, he played it safe, saying: “We are very open.”

The Central Bankers have been linked with South Africa-based second-tier league side Black Leopards coach Peter Mponda.

But both Silver and the former FCB Nyasa Bullets and Flames assistant coach have been non-committal on the issue.

On Friday, the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit announced that they had parted ways with De Jongh, who had a year left on his two-year contract.

Part of the statement issued by the club, reads: “Silver Strikers Limited regrets to announce the departure of Mr Pieter de Jongh from his position as head coach of the club effective 26th January, 2024.

“While we appreciate the nefforts and dedication Mr De Jongh has shown during his tenture with the club, the decision to part ways has been made in the best interest of the club’s future objectives and aspirations.”

The Dutch tactician was given a taget to win the TNM Super League title and at least two cups during his first year, but the Central Bankers finished as runners-up to Bullets in the league and Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup.

They were losing semi-finalists in the Zamadolo Airtel Top 8 and could not get past the round of 16 in the FDH Bank Cup.

However, De Jongh attributed his failure to meet the set targets to the club’s failure to provide him with the players he proposed.