Administrators should stick to their lane

THE Power Dynamos top brass did not see it coming.
They thought it was business as usual but for coach Mwenya Chipepo it was time to move on.
As Power were preparing for the Super League Week Ten fixture against Red Arrows in Lusaka, Chipepo was also preparing to announce his resignation. He announced his resignation in an exclusive interview with Sports Mail last Thursday afternoon, catching his employers napping.
Chipepo cited the executive committee’s interference in the selection of line-ups as the main reason for his exit.
It is not only at Power where there is interference but at several Super League and National Division One outfits.
I salute Chipepo for coming out in the open to call a spade a spade and not a big spoon.
With Chipepo halting a 12-year Super League title drought, the Power hierarchy should have given him the leeway to be in charge. Prior to being crowned champions in the 2022/23 season, Power last conquered the local front in 2011 under the guidance of coach Beston Chambeshi and technical advisor Fordson Kabole.
Last season’s achievement was Power’s seventh overall.
Chipepo has punched above his weight considering that he found Power struggling when he was engaged in October 2021.
Chipepo needed the backing of his superiors because he achieved a lot in a short time he was in charge.
Despite exiting the CAF Champions League in the first round, Power did not lose to Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club.
The teams drew 2-2 in Ndola in the first leg and 1-1 in Dar es Salaam as Power were booted out on an away-goal rule.
Such records are earned by hard work, and the Power top brass needed to keep their lane and allow Chipepo and his technical bench to call shots. We hope Chipepo’s successor will stay free from interference.
The club executive committee’s job is administrative and not telling coaches who should play or not.
The other role of the executive committee is to find money for the smooth running of the club and buying players.
It is important for executive committee members to stick to their lanes so that they avoid unnecessary frictions with coaches.
Those who feel they cannot stay away from interference should enrol for Confederation of African Football (CAF) badges so that they are appointed coaches in future.
Most of the times coaches fail to deliver because of internal wrangles from those who supervise them.
We hope the happenings at Power will send a signal to other clubs that time for interference is long gone.
Club officials should flex their muscles towards getting as many sponsors as possible to pour money into their coffers.
It is important for coaches to call out the bluff of their employers like former Trident coach Israel Mwanza did about an unrealistic
ultimatum he was given, let alone Chris Kaunda, who walked out on Prison Leopards after being in charge for only one match.
Let’s interact on phiristeve4@gmail.com, sphiri@daily-mail.co.zm