It never rains but pours for Silver Strikers as the club Monday withdrew from the Caf Confederation Cup just six days before the competition’s draw.
The development comes just a week after the club reversed its decision to fire the Daniel Kabwe-led coaching panel and only suspended assistant Macdonald Mtetemera.
Silver Chief Executive Officer Thokozani Chimbali, in a statement released yesterday, confirmed the team’s withdrawal from the continental club competition.
Chimbali said the withdrawal was due to the fact that Silver Head Coach Daniel Kabwe did not have a minimum Caf A coaching licence.
“To conform to the requirements, Mr Macdonald Mtetemera was registered as head coach since he holds a Caf A Licence and Mr Daniel Kabwe who holds Caf B and Uefa B licence, as his deputy. Recently, Mtetemera, has been suspended pending investigations. His availability cannot be guaranteed until the matter is fully investigated and concluded,” the letter reads.
“Following the unforeseeable events surrounding our technical panel, it is with deep regret that the club’s Board of Directors has advised that the team withdraws from the tournament forthwith.”
Silver registered to take part in the competition after Blue Eagles, who won the Fisd Challenge Cup, decided against participating due to logistical challenges.
The draw for the competition is slated to take place on Sunday ahead of the kick-off in September.
For withdrawing from the competition few days before the fixtures, Silver risk some sanctions.
However, Silver will be fined a $3000 by Caf for withdrawing after engagement.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) will also fine the club.
Fam Compliance Manager Casper Jangale said Silver wrote the association on August 4 on their intention to withdraw from the competition.
“It’s unfortunate and we are disappointed with the development,” Jangale said.
Silver had arranged some friendlies in Zambia as part of preparations for the tournament but, following the withdrawal, they will not travel to Zambia.
Football consultant Kelvin Moyo said Silver had no valuable reason to withdraw.
“Kabwe has Uefa badges and cannot do touchline coaching since Caf promotes its own Caf badges during tournaments. Why not just include a Caf A coach in their technical panel?” Moyo asked.
Following Silver’s withdraw, Nyasa Big Bullets will be the only representative in Caf competitions as they will take part in Caf Champions League.
Meanwhile, Rodrick Chattaika is the club’s new board chairperson, replacing Victor Madhlopa, who was in charge of the club for just one year.
However, the club did not give reasons for the changes.
Silver last took part in the Confederations Cup in 2018 but were eliminated in the preliminary round after a 4-3 loss to ASC of Gabon on post-match penalties.