Despite cutting ties with coach Mark Harrison, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers are still relying on the Briton’s recommendations in preparation for next season.
Wanderers have signed midfielder Blessings Singini from Ekwendeni Hammers based on Harrison’s technical report.
Analysts have since warned the team’s board that relying on Harrison’s report is a catalyst for disaster as Wanderers finished the just ended 2023 season trophy-less under the tutelage of Harrison.
Interestingly, Harrison, who resigned soon after Wanderers’ lost to rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a Castel Cup semifinal match, has now been named coach for UD Songo in Mozambique but his influence at Wanderers remains.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Roosevelt Mpinganjira confirmed that they used Harrison’s report when signing Singini.
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“Yes, we are basing [this] on his [Harrison] report,” Mpinganjira responded briefly on WhatsApp when asked if the Nomads used Harrison’s recommendations.
At the moment, Wanderers do not have a technical panel after not renewing contracts for assistant coach Albert Mpinganjira, goalkeepers’ trainer Simplex Nthala and team manager Foster Namwela.
In the meantime, Wanderers have advertised the job of head coach, with a Caf A licence holder one being sought after.
Mpinganjira said they would treat the matter with urgency to focus on their preparations.
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“We have advertised, will wait for the applicants and, then, we will tell the nation about our choice,” he said.
However, former Wanderers and Flames defender Ojukwu Malunga said the onus of signing new players should have been left in the hands of the-yet-to-be-appointed coach.
“Basically, the incoming coach should be the one signing his preferred players. In this case, the new coach should first assess the squad, then make recommendations for reinforcements and chopping of players. They can sign a player who cannot fit in the system of the incoming coach,” Malunga said.
Another analyst Peter Kanjere questioned Wanderers board’s competency.
“The board is confused. How can the board sign new players before hiring a new coach? How can they sign players based on recommendations from a coach who finished the season empty-handed and, then, jumped ship?” he asked.
The former Sports Writers Association of Malawi president said Wanderers have one of the best squads in the country.
“Most reasonable football followers would tell you that Wanderers have probably the best squad in the domestic league, in terms of individual quality, but what has been lacking is building that into one cohesive bunch,” Kanjere said.
Ironically, Wanderers President and Chairperson Thom Mpinganjira challenged main team players to emulate their reserve side after the young Nomads won two trophies.
