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Sports Reporter
IN a sensational about turn from an earlier assertion newly appointed Highlanders’ assistant coach Amini Soma-Phiri (left) has called on the Bosso family to rally behind new coach Erol Akbay when he starts his tenure at the club.
In an interview last week Phiri revealed that he was ready to work under Akbay and will give him all the support needed to ensure success at his boyhood club.
Amini’s recent proclamation is in contrast to earlier utterances at a Press conference where he questioned the incoming coach’s credentials and wondered what new things he would learn from the Dutchman.
“He (Akbay) will be my boss and I am ready to work with him. I think when he comes we should give him all the support that he needs, not just me but the whole Highlanders family including you the media should back him. I’m sure this will make his work easier and ensure success for the team,” said Phiri.
He said he never rejected the offer to work under Akbay and that his absence in the initial days of pre-season training was due to a family bereavement.
“I am a Highlanders son through and through and I will take any position they offer me whether it is the juniors coaches post or what, I will take it because Highlanders is my home, I am Bosso through and through. I never rejected the offer as the perceptions seemed to be. I was out of the country and when I came back there was bereavement at my wife’s family hence I had to attend to that,” said the former Highlanders midfielder.
Phiri impressed in his short tenure as caretaker coach after taking over from Bongani Mafu last season with the team languishing on tenth position on the log but managed to lead the club to a sixth place finish. He won the hearts and souls of the Bosso faithfuls last year after bagging the EasyCall Cup. Before that he masterminded the victory over eternal rivals Dynamos.
Meanwhile, the club has appointed Marko Dube, brother to Peter and Madinda Ndlovu, as manager of the club’s developmental side, which would be playing in the Zifa Southern Region Division One league this season. Melusi Mabaleka Sibanda has been retained as coach.
Bongani Ndlovu