Wed, 07 Dec 2016 07:00:53 +0000
By Wilson Pondamali
MAGNIFICENT Kabwe Warriors have been caught up in training dilemma as management struggles to find a replacement for the sacked Egyptian coach Muhammad Fathy.
Fathy was sacked due to a spate of poor performance despite the club finishing on an impressive sixth position on the league table.
There is also a pending exodus of players who are being lured to greener pastures as well as looming contracts terminations.
Various names, including incumbent care taker coach Chintu Kampamba, Levy ‘Chabby’Chabala, Albert kachinga and Harrisson Tembo being on the list while reports from some well placed supporters indicate that there have already been interviews for the coach.
Kampamba, who is also Chipolopolo assistant trainer completed the season being assisted by Happy Sichikolo and goal keeper trainer Tom Kampamba.
Some stakeholders who sought anonymity have however argued that Kampamba’s duo role as national team assistant trainer would deprive the Kabwe giants of needed coaching manpower.
They have demanded that Kampamba be allowed to choose between the national team and club coaching or he be retained as assistant while looking for a senior coach.
“Warriors is a very big team and requires an experienced and mature coach. While Chintu is an upcoming and doing well he has another role at the national team,
“ This means leaving the team in the hands of Happy Sichikolo when he is called to national duties; we expect the 2017 league to be very competitive and cannot afford to get demoted,” said one source.
Club chairman Hyden Dingwall and his secretary Davies Mwanza have remained mute on the matter.
Technical committee chairman Mike ‘Wonder Mike’ Chirwa referred all matters pertaining to the coach recruitment to the sponsors Zambia railways but indicated that the team will have to go on a shopping spree for new players to beef up some weak departments.
Second choice goalie Moonga Ndala is reportedly heading to Green Eagles while enterprising young goalie Lawrence Mulenga is reportedly being allured to cash-splashing Zesco United.
But when contacted to confirm Mulenga’s pending transfer to Levy Mwanawasa, Zesco United spokesperson Katebe Chengo declined to comment, saying Zesco would only issue a statement after the league closes.
“At the moment the league is still on though I know others have already finished their games so we cannot talk about any coach or players, transfer or acquisition,
“ When that time comes, Zesco shall issue a statement but the only thing current is that Zesco is travelling to Mazabuka for the last fixture game,” she said.
