Leo Mpulula to stick with youth
Newly-appointed Blantyre United Technical Director Leo Mpulula has said he will continue with his youth policy as he takes up his post.
Revealing his plans ahead of his return to the team he has close links with, Mpulula said all his plans will be centred on his belief in young players.
The former Azam Tigers and Epac mentor is best known for nurturing raw talent.
Mpulula is also a strong advocate of discipline amongst players, having been a victim of indiscipline himself during his playing days.
“I believe in using discipline to nurture talent amongst young players. This is how I unearthed gems like Chimango Kaira, Dalitso Sailesi, Stanley Sanudi and Epac captain Mphatso Dzongololo. I did it at that time and I can also do it now,” Mpulula said.
He said the players that went through the ranks at Blantyre United give him the confidence that he can produce more talented stars that will help the team stand the heat in the top flight.
“It is unfortunate that the team was relegated from the elite league. The team had some of the best players in the country who did not deserve to play in the lower league,” Mpulula said.
The coach said the secret behind the team’s survival in the Super League lies in the blending of young and experienced players to achieve the right balance.
He said the team will embark on a talent identification exercise once the head coach is appointed.
“I am looking forward to knowing the coach who will be employed to take charge of the team. Whoever it is, I pledge to work with him in a cordial manner to help the team succeed in its quest to regain its glory,” Mpulula said.
He said the main target of the team’s talent identification exercise is the First Merchant Bank (FMB) Under 20 National League.
Blantyre United owner, Lawson Nakoma, said the decision to hire Mpulula was made by the team’s board of directors because they also believe in young talent.
He said the team is still searching for a qualified coach to take the team through the 2017 Super League season to be assisted by Safarao Pompi who inspired the team to promotion from the Masters Security Southern Region Football League Premier Division
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