New Silver Strikers Coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh has said he is on a serious mission to revive the bankers.
The capital city giants Sunday unveiled the Dutchman as their new coach on a two-year deal.
The widely travelled coach landed in Malawi at around 7am through Kamuzu International Airport (Kia) and was presented to fans and players two hours later.
The Dutchman wasted no time and promised to bring the moon and the sun to Silver family next season.
After his unveiling Sunday, De Jongh said he was in Malawi on a serious mission and promised to deliver, saying his target is to fight for the league championship and cups.
“I am not a coach who enjoys fighting for position four or five in the league. I always play to win titles and cups. This is possible if I get enough support from the players, fans and the board,” he said.
His contract with Silver is performance-based, which will be reviewed at the end of every season. The Dutchman has replaced Zambian Daniel Kabwe, who was fired due to poor performance last season.
His track record shows he hardly settles in one place, having coached in over 12 countries.
However, the Dutchman defended himself.
“It is the same with top coaches in Europe. Africa is my home and I enjoy working in Africa,” he said.
De Jongh has vast experience working in Africa, having also coached FC Platinum, Highlanders (both Zimbabwe), FC Leopards in Kenya, Cape Town FC, and eSwatini national football team. He won Chibuku Cup with Highlanders and Super Cup with Platinum.
He was in charge of Somalia for four months only.
There is renewed hope among Silver fans that the Dutchman is a game-changer.
Silver Company Secretary Peter Masiye fired warning shots to other teams.
“We mean business; we will fight for the league championship and any cup. We will give the new coach and the technical panel all the support,” Masiye said.
Meanwhile, Silver have restructured their technical panel following the arrival of the Dutchman.
The changes saw Etison Kadenge Mwafulirwa being named as assistant coach whereas Peter Mgangira is the second assistant coach.
Leo Mpulula, who was interim coach until the end of last season, will now be scouting manager. The new coach will have a daunting task of guiding Silver to win the Super League championship for the first time in 10 years.
Silver finished last season empty handed.
