Silver’s new coach promises silverware in his first season
Silver Strikers new head coach Hedrikus Pieter De Jongh has promised to turn around the club’s fortunes by winning a silverware in his first season.
The Dutch made the pledge during his first press conference in Lilongwe soon after his arrival in the country.
The 52-year-old said he is familiar with Southern Africa football and also the culture of its people.
Appaearing free and easy, he said: “I have a successful background even in Africa and what I can tell you is that I don’t coach for positions three or four, I go for titles.
“I am here to help Silver win titles and cups.”
The Central Bankers’ board member Daud Ntanthiko said the new coach’s two-year contract is performance and result-based.
He said: “There will be review every year. But the good thing is that De Jongh has set his own target of winning a cup or cups every year.
“We will hold him to that. Let us all support him to make his job easier.”
Speaking on behalf of the supporters, Kondwani Nthala told the coach and the clubs board that they have high expectations from the Dutch tactician.
He said: “We woke up early today to rush to the airport and welcome the new coach. It shows how delighted we are and also our high expectations.
“We don’t want trial and error coaches. We want results. We have seen a lot of dark days. We want to see the light and be able to smile again.”
Nthala warned the rest of Silver’s technical panel and the board against sabotaging the new coach.
“There should be no room for backbiting or gossip. Everyone should be happy with his or her responsibilities. Let us give him room and support to do his work, no backstabbing,” he said.
The coach got a hearty welcome from the the club’s board, management and supporters on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport.
There was convoy of over 10 vehicles to welcome him amid blaring hooters from Lumbadzi to the Central Bankers’ clubhouse in Area 47.
De Jongh has replaced Zambian Daniel Kabwe who was fired in July last year following a string of poor results.
Kabwe was replaced by his former assistant McDonald Yobe, who was later removed to pave the way for Leo Mpulula.
Silver had one of their worst seasons last year in which they finished without a silverware. They finished fifth in the TNM Super League.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit has not won the league for the past 10 years.
