Cracks have emerged at Mighty Mukuru Wanderers following the team’s disappointing form in the TNM Super League hence putting fans, players and officials on a collision course.
Irate Wanderers supporters bayed for the players’ blood after the side surrendered a goal-lead to draw 1-1 with Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
Wanderers Coach Mark Harrison did not hide his frustration but accused his charges of failing to convert several chances which the side created.
“I do my job in training and I do it well. I cannot tell the strikers to misfire. We saw the same in Balaka in the FDH Bank Cup and also against Extreme FC at Bingu National Stadium but nothing is changing.
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“Look at how Gaddie Chirwa missed from three metres against Dedza. We should have finished the game,” he said.
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Harrison challenged his charges to change their attitude to remain in contention for the championship.
“I cannot help it. We need to change, otherwise we have crucial games against [FCB Nyasa] Bullets this weekend and Silver the other week. We need to win both if we are to remain in contention,” he said.
However, Wanderers Board Secretary Chancy Gondwe has brushed off Harrison’s remarks saying only a bad carpenter blames his tools.
“It is strange that the coach is blaming his own players on issues that he could have resolved in the dressing room.
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“Let him rectify the problems. He has everything and every player he wanted at his disposal. The board has been backing him since he came. What is expected from him is to prove himself that he is indeed the right person for that job. It is now time for him to deliver and not time for excuses,” Gondwe said.
Soon after the match, some angry Nomads fans stopped the players from boarding the team’s bus forcing them to use public and alternative transportation.
Ironically, Wanderers senior player, Alfred Manyozo Jr, was insulted and nearly attacked for allegedly contributing to the team’s downfall.
Manyozo bemoaned the behaviour of the team’s supporters.
“It is very unfortunate that as a team and players we went through this. Some of us almost could have been beaten. This is anti-football.
“Some teams have been losing and drawing games but we have not seen their supporters forcing their players to walk and not use the team’s bus. We have an important game this weekend. How do they want us to respond?” Manyozo Jr asked.
Wanderers will play rivals Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
The team’s supporter’s director Dines Chitsulo has since apologised to the players for the supporters’ behaviour after the match.
“We say sorry to them but they must understand that this season, we are well sponsored. Our president Thomson Mpinganjira and others have put a lot of money into the team. Six new players were brought in and results are not forthcoming.
“Let us also feel for the supporters who come from long distances to support the team only to go back home disappointed. It is our hope that the players will start delivering good results,” Chitsulo Said.
Wanderers are third on the log table with 18 points from 10 games whereas Silver Strikers lead with 24 points. Bullets lie second with 21 points.
