Big Bullets dismiss Franco Ndawa, Billy Tewesa
Nyasa Big Bullets have fired head coach, Franco Ndawa, and Technical Director (TD), Billy Tewesa, in a development the club attributed to restructuring and unconvincing performance.
Bullets’ Executive Committee, meeting in Blantyre on Sunday, resolved to fire the technical panel members, Acting-General Secretary, Kelvin Moyo, confirmed on Monday.
“After looking at financial and technical issues in view of the new constitution and the restructuring, 11 people voted and only three were for retaining the TD,” Moyo explained.
“The executive also looked at the performance of the team and after a vote, the coach did not get a vote from the 11 people. A question was also posed on whether we need the Team Manager [Rahim Ishmael] and he got eight votes out of 11.”
The executive made the decision a day after Bullets’ exit from the 2016 Carlsberg Cup following a 0-1 quarterfinal loss to Mafco at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The position of TD will remain vacant in view of the restructuring.
“The coach was a on a contract which states that he can be relieved of his duties after a one-month notice, hence he will serve notice. The TD was not on a contract,” Moyo said.
He added that Lloyd Nkhwazi and Mabvuto Lungu will be in charge of Bullets, whose TNM Super League title defence hangs in the balance after finishing the first round on position five with 25 points.
Ndawa, who won Bullets the 2016 Presidential Cup, on Monday refused to comment on his sacking.
Before joining Bullets, Ndawa coached Malanti Chiefs in Swaziland.
Locally, Ndawa managed teams such as Red Lions, Be Forward Wanderers and Silver Strikers.
Some quarters questioned his tactics in the game against Mafco. However, Bullets are depleted due to injuries and the departure of key players to foreign teams.
Tewesa yesterday said he welcomed his dismissal, adding that he hopes Bullets management would pay him the money (in excess of K6 million) which he lent the team.
“If that is the case then that is fine with me. When you hold a position, there are times when you think you are performing, yet people think otherwise. Bullets is a big family, let others play their part. I wish the executive well,” Tewesa explained.
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