Silver Strikers coach Pieter De Jhong has given up on winning the TNM Super League title which was one of the crucial targets set for him by the Central Bankers in his inaugural season.

But the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit have said they are surprised with the coach’s stand.

In an interview on Tuesday, the Dutch tactician said he will concentrate much on the Airtel Top 8 and the Castel Challenge Cup.

He said: “I have to be honest, we have no chance of winning the league. We can fight for number two, but third place is more realistic.

“If [Chimwemwe] Idana had not missed seven games at some point, we could have done well. But we could not push to get him back in time [following the expiry of his contract. We also had a number of injuries.

“But it doesn’t mean we’ll stop fighting, we’ll continue giving our best and see where it gets us to. Now we have to concentrate on the cups.”

De Jhong: I have to be honest

On whether he is not putting his job on the line by failing to meet one of the key targets, the Silver gaffer said: “It’s unfortunate, but as I said, we failed to return Idana in time and I proposed to management to beef up the squad with about seven players, but I only got one.

“Then there was the issue about our preparations being affected due to national team engagements. A performance contract is supposed to be two-way and all these issues come into play.”

But reacting to the coach’s comments, Silver spokesperson Willard Chakanika said: “To be honest, we are very surprised with his comments, he has not communicated the same to us.

“We will wait to hear from him when the team returns from the North. That is when we’ll be able to make decisions on the way forward.

“Otherwise, I am only hearing this from you. From the formal press briefing, there is nothing like him giving up on the league.”

The club’s board member, who asked for anonymity, described De Jhong’s comments as unfortunate.

Said the official: “For a coach of his calibre, he would have put it better because the impression he is creating is that Silver relies on Idana only and that can demotivate other players.

“Secondly, his remarks about the league race have the potential to create a relaxed attitude among the players.”

Silver set winning the league and at least two cups as targets for De Jhong when they hired him on a two-year contract in February this year.

During his unveiling ceremony, the flamboyant coach said: “What I can tell you os that I don’t coach positions three or four. I go for titles. I am here to help Silver win titles and cups.”

He started on a good note and was the last team to taste defeat in the league after 11 matches.

The  Area 47 outfit in Lilongwe, which is one of the best sponsored teams in the country, has not won the league for the past decade.

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