By Praise Majawa:
Ekhaya FC have fired head coach Enos Chatama just two weeks after he guided the club to their maiden Airtel Top 8 triumph.
Chatama, whose two-year contract was due to expire in January next year, said yesterday he only learnt about his dismissal through social media.
“The CEO wanted us to meet but we did not meet. The issue I am just seeing on social media. For now, I do not want to comment much,” Chatama said.
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The former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve coach joined Ekhaya in January last year, making it his first senior coaching job.
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In his second season with the Cowboys, Chatama guided the club to their first major trophy after they defeated Mighty Wanderers 2-1 in the Airtel Top 8 final at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
He also led Ekhaya to a seventh-place finish in their debut season in the top flight last year.
In the middle of the first Ekhaya authorities suspended Chatama due to the slow start to the season.
However, Ekhaya struggled for consistency in the first round of the FDH Bank Premiership this season.
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They are currently 11th and finished the first round with 18 points after Sunday’s goalless draw against Karonga United and went five consecutive league matches without a win, recording two draws and three defeats.
According to a statement signed by club chief executive officer Thando Mhango, the decision followed a review by the club’s leadership and was taken in the best interests of the team and its objectives for the season and beyond.
“Ekhaya Football Club would like to sincerely thank Mr Enos Chatama for his commitment and contribution during his time with the club, having guided the team to a top-eight finish in the first season and winning its maiden Airtel Top 8 trophy.
“We appreciate the effort he has made in leading the team and wish him every success in his future endeavours,” the statement reads.
Assistant coach Fundi Akidu will take charge as interim coach, assisted by Moses Chavula, as the club considers its next steps regarding the head coach position.
“The club remains fully focused on its objectives for the season and calls upon our players, staff, supporters and partners to remain united behind the team during this transition,” the statement reads.
