FCB Nyasa Bullets have challenged local coaches to apply for the club’s head coach post after it emerged that only two out of 16 applicants are Malawians. On Monday, the People’s Team flighted an advert on their Facebook page inviting applications from “highly qualified, experienced and performance-driven coaches”. Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga said in an interview yesterday that they are surprised that only a few local coaches have so far shown interest in the job.
“We are encouraging those that feel they qualify for the post to apply. Yes, Bullets is a big team, but local coaches should not look down upon themselves, they should try their luck,” he said. According to National Football Coaches Association database, 47 Malawian coaches have CAF A coaching licenses or its equivalent which is the mandatory requirement for applicants.
On whether the decision to flight an advert means the club has no confidence in interim coach Gilbert Chirwa, who has won all the three games that he has been in charge so far, Chigoga said: “We made it categorically clear that Agidze [Chirwa] was engaged as an interim coach up to the end of the season. But he is eligible to apply for the post.” The club’s celebrated former coach and legend Kinnah Phiri, who guided the team to CAF Champions League group stages in 2004, said coaches are put off by the pressure that comes with coaching the record 17-time Super League champions. He said: “By now, we should have had more local coaches applying for the job.
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Yes, there is a lot of pressure when coaching a big team like Bullets, but that is how you develop a thick skin. “I would like to encourage our local coaches to give it a try.” Football coaches body chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni also said it is unfortunate that local coaches are turning their back on the vacancy. “Maybe they think that even if they apply, they will not be considered,” he said.
According to the advert, among others, the successful candidate will be required to provide technical leadership and performance oversight across all teams and ensuring alignment with the club’s football philosophy. The coach will also be expected to establish clear player development pathways, performance bechmarks and succession plans, work closely with club management, player recruitment, talent identification and long-term technical planning. The club says the post will be offered on a performance-based fixed-term contract.
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