Simba’s Phiri given ultimatum
Simba SC head coach Patrick Phiri is mobbed by excited fans who turned up at the Julius Nyerere International Airport to welcome him on the day he came back to the country to take up a new role. The Zambian has signed a one-year contract in his tough bid of chasing the premier league title, which Simba has eluded for some years. PHOTO | FILE
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Ally also said the three suspended players -- Haruna Chanongo, Amri Kiemba and Shaaban Kisiga -- have been ordered to appear in a disciplinary hearing tomorrow.
Dar es Salaam. Pressure is mounting on Zambian technician Patrick Phiri in Dar es Salaam’s Simba Sports Club as the side’s leadership gave him the ultimatum of winning the next two matches in the on going Tanzania Mainland Premier League, failure of which his contract could be terminated.
This means, Phiri must win Saturday’s encounter against the best team so far, Mtibwa Sugar, at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro and on November 8 shove off Ruvu Shooting at the National Stadium.
Simba SC secretary general Stephen Ally said yesterday that the club’s executive committee met to discuss the team’s performance in the ongoing league. The committee decided to set the ultimatum of two matches.
Ally said that the club’s trend in the league has been poor and that the current results cannot be tolerated because victory is what every club in the world targets.
“We’ve already informed the technical bench. They have generally shown they understand our concerns. What remains is implementation only, failure to that, we will take action,” said Ally.
Simba SC have so far played five matches and have won none. The team is placed on 10th position in the league standing with five points in their bucket.
“Apart from victory, we also want the team to put up a good show. Our fans and members are concerned by the level displayed during games in this league,” he said.
Phiri took charge of Simba SC in August replacing Croatian technician Zdravko Lugarusic. The latter was also kicked out following the team’s poor performance and indiscipline.
Since Phiri took over, the team has played 14 matches winning only four friendlies, losing three and drawing seven.
Ally also said the three suspended players -- Haruna Chanongo, Amri Kiemba and Shaaban Kisiga -- have been ordered to appear in a disciplinary hearing tomorrow. The club will issue its verdict on Friday. “Our disciplinary committee will be in charge of the hearing. The three players have been informed and have confirmed to attend,” he said.
At the same time, Ally said the executive committee has said no official is authorised to speak to the media on club issues. The only officials with that authority, according to him, are the president, his vice, the secretary general and the information officer.
