Malawian coach lands at Magosi

BTC Premiership sleeping giants Mochudi Centre Chiefs finally have a new headcoach in the  well known Kinnah Phiri  of Malawi. However, the Malawian coach has landed himself in one of the hottest seats in local football given the infighting and financial doldrums  that  have  recently  ensued at the  Kgatleng outfit. By all means, Phiri will have to hit the proverbial ground in the middle of a rigorous sprint. 

This week BG Sport confirmed  that Phiri has penned a two-year contract with Magosi . The new coach is yet to sit on the bench and howl instructions from the touchline. The Malawian coach is currently awaiting his work permit from the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs. Phiri joins a list foreign coaches who are yet to receive their working permits including Maxwell Moyo (TAFIC). 

In his first interview with BG Sport, Phiri expressed hope that his charges will soon turn the tables and regain their rightful position in local football. The Kgatleng outfit had a poor run during the 2016/17 due to political instability and  money  troubles within the club. Nevertheless, Magosi landed the lucrative Top 8 position. “I like challenges, sometimes it’s not about money, it’s about new challenges,” said Phiri. 

“I have been to Botswana as a player and as a national team coach. I know Botswana very well.” The former Bakili Bullets coach said the club is also struggling with fitness due to poor preseason preparations. However, Phiri is worried that lack of preseason training is slowly exposing player’s fitness level. Nevertheless, the Malawian tactician is optimist that his club will soon be playing constructive and good football.

The Malawian coach had a successful time with ABSA premiership Free State Stars, guided his native country to the Africa Cup of Nations among his achievements. “I am not told to achieve anything. They know their problems, when you know your problems you can’t commit to somebody,”said Phiri. The coach is positive his relationship with assistant coach Innocent Morapedi will bring back smiles to the Maaparakwe family.