PHIRI THROWS IN TOWEL
NAKAMBALA Leopards coach Patrick Phiri has thrown in the towel in the race for the 2018 MTN-FAZ Super League title, saying the “Sweet Boys” will focus on a top eight finish. In an interview yesterday, the former Zambia national soccer team coach said that with the 28-point gap between leaders Zesco with 61 points, it is impossible to win league with only 11 games remaining.
After 27 games played, Nakambala are placed 14th with 33 points.
Phiri said the team’s aim is to survive relegation and finish in a better position compared to last season.
³We are definitely out of the race for the Super League title. ,t was definitely our target at the beginning of the season, but to be realistic that’s not possible. We have now shifted attention to fighting relegation, and if we win all the 11 games, we want to achieve a top eight finish,´ he said.
However, the Nakambala coach said the team was still developing and capable of winning a maiden title in the next three or so years.
He said he was not disappointed with the players as they were still young and eager to improve.
“We may have not won this year’s title, but I still have faith that Nakambala will soon win its maiden title. They are a developing side and learning the tactics of the game,´ he said.
Asked if he was disappointed in himself having not won a title in the last five years, Phiri said in recent years, he has become a specialist in saving teams from relegation and not winning the league.
+e said he was fulfilled to help teams transform into better sides and grooming young players.
“I ‘am more of a relegation specialist, most clubs I go to are on the brink of demotion. It takes a strong-willed coach to save a team from relegation and turn it into a better side,´ he said.