In a twist of events, Civil Service United have recalled Coach Franco Ndawa just three days after he was sent on forced leave due to poor performance of the team.
But Assistant Coach Elia Kananji is still on forced leave.
Ndawa took charge of Civil’s training session on Thursday afternoon.
Civil General Secretary Ronald Chiwaula confirmed that the former Flames assistant coach was back at the club.
“We rescinded the decision after we considered several factors. Ndawa is back at Civil and we are happy that he accepted,” Chiwaula said.
However, Chiwaula could not disclose the reasons behind Kananji’s continued forced leave.
Ndawa could not be reached for comment but Kananji confirmed the development when asked about his position on the matter.
“It is true that Ndawa has been recalled because he called me and showed me pictures during his training session. I am not bitter I just wish him all the best as I await my letter for this holiday,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) Chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni hailed Civil for recalling Ndawa.
“We engaged them on the matter for days and I want to thank them for taking heed of our advice. The decision to maintain the coaches is a football matter,” he said.
The two coaches were sent on forced leave after the team lost by 2-0 margins to Mighty Wanderers and Mighty Tigers.
Former Civil coach Oscar Kaunda was linked with a return to the club.
Kaunda is currently assistant to coach Dan Dzinkambani at Karonga United.
The Servants are on bye this weekend in the TNM Super League. However, Civil are on position six on the log table with 38 points from 26 matches, 10 points behind leaders Nyasa Big Bullets.
Silver Strikers also recalled Dan Kabwe just few days after he was fired.
Another Lilongwe outfit, Blue Eagles also recalled coach Gerald Phiri Senior after things went from bad to worse in his absence.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.
