I AM NOT BITTER
… Chipepo wishes Nkana well and hopes team survives relegation
By Cecilia Nayame
I AM not bitter about Nkana Football Club’s decision to remove me as head coach, Mwenya Chipepo has said.
In an interview with Mast Sports yesterday, Chipepo wished the club well and expressed hope that the Nkana Executive Committee would appoint a coach capable of helping the team avoid relegation.
Chipepo and his first assistant, Christopher Katongo, have been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of internal processes, following a string of poor results.
Chipepo said he still felt a strong attachment to Nkana despite the decision to sideline him.
“It is well with me. My wish as a coach for Nkana is for the team to excel and survive relegation,” he said.
Chipepo appealed to the Nkana executive committee to bring in a coach with vast experience to take over the team.
“At least they should bring in someone better than me, someone who will work better because when that happens, my heart will rest. I will be very happy because Nkana is my childhood team. Twakulila mu Nkana [I grew up at Nkana], my father worked here and was also a coach. It was his wish for me to coach Nkana one day and reach the stage he never reached,” he said.
Chipepo said he felt relieved despite being sent on administrative leave.
“Though it’s a relief for me because I have been working under difficult conditions which people may not understand… Nkana is currently facing a FIFA ban and you cannot buy a player anywhere,” Chipepo said.
He wished the players the very best in the remaining Super Division League fixtures.
“Yes, I can differ with officials but at the end of the day all I want is for them to excel. I have accepted their decision because it’s their choice. I am happy that even though things have turned the way they are today, at least I am leaving the team not the way I found it,” he said.
Chipepo also commended fans for their unwavering support.
“Without their support Nkana would not have been where it is today. The team has passed through difficult times but together we came out and celebrated. Our supporters have done a tremendous job,” he said.
