This is life-threatening—Harrison
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers coach Mark Harrison has expressed concern with the conduct of some of the club’s supporters, saying it is life-threatening to the players, himself and his backroom staff.
The Briton was reacting to some fans’ protests soon after the Nomads’ TNM Super League match against Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar on Saturday, which ended one-all at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
In an interview yesterday, the Nomads gaffer urged the club to control the supporters.
He said: “It needs to be controlled and the club needs to take a hand and control the supporters better, otherwise it’s life-threatening to the players, myself and the technical team.”
The former Gor Mahia of Kenya, Township Rollers of Botswana, Caps United and Highlanders of Zimbabwe and Golden Arrows of South Africa coach also said Super League of Malawi and Football Association of Malawi need to improve on security.
“If it were in other countries, teams are fined for such conduct and they are forced to play in empty stadiums because security of teams is prioritised. It should not be in games involving us only, but others as well,” he said.
The irate fans held the players hostage at the dressing room and they hurled insults at team captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr, who doubles as second assistant coach, as he left the stadium.
On the team’s performance, Harrison said: “We started off really well. We were winning and scoring goals and for some reason now, we defend well, keep possession well and we create plenty of chances, but we don’t score and it creates pressure for the players and they get frustrated. It’s crazy.”
He said the Nomads now need to win their upcoming games against their age-old rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets, Mafco FC and leaders Silver Strikers to “probably go top again”.
Said Harrison: “For me, we are going into the right direction, but it’s not going smoothly as it should, but there is no need to panic.”
On the security concerns, the club’s acting chief executive officer Roosvelt Mpinganjira said security is always provided.
He said: “During pre-match meetings, issues of security are discussed and for the recent game we had over 30 police officers and same number of stewards.
“But, perhaps, what needs to be done is to beef up security of the team after a match.”
