Lilongwe giants Silver Strikers have announced the withdrawal of their intention to participate in the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup.
In a statement released on Monday, Silver chief executive officer Thokozani Chimbali said they have pulled out because their Zambian coach Daniel Kabwe does not meet requirements to lead the Lilongwe team in the continental competition.
“The Confederation of African Football set CAF A Licence as a basic mandatory requirement for all head coaches and CAF B Licence for Assistant Coaches in the 2021/2022 CAF Inter-Clubs competitions, those who do not fulfil the requirement would not be allowed to be on the technical bench during matches,” Chimbali said.
“To conform to the requirements Mr Macdonald Mtetemera was registered as head coach since he holds a CAF A Licence and Mr Daniel Kabwe who holds a CAF B Licence and Uefa B Licence as his deputy.”
He said the recent suspension of Mtetemera meant that the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored club cannot bank on him.
“Following the unforeseeable events surrounding our technical panel, it is with deep regret that the club’s Board of directors has advised that the team withdraws from the tournament forthwith,” Mtetemera added.
Silver suspended Mtetemera on disciplinary grounds after the Board had decided against sacking Kabwe for failing to meet contractual obligation of winning 24 of 30 league matches.
The Board met to deliberate on Kabwe’s sacking following pleas from Silver players that the coach should be maintained.
Board Chairperson Victor Madhlopa who told the press that Kabwe had been sacked before the U-turn, has since been replaced by Rodney Chattaika.
Silver are two points behind TNM Super League leaders and holders Nyasa Big Bullets who have a game in hand. Silver are also in contention for the the FDH Cup.
The former Zanaco and Lusaka Dynamos coach joined Silver in January 2020 but only started working 10 months later because the 2020 edition of league in Malawi was forfeited due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2020-21 season started in December 2020 and is set to wind up in October 2021.