By Burnett Munthali
Renowned soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda has urged Malawian football clubs to reconsider offering one-year contracts to coaches, warning that such short-term agreements hinder long-term team development and stability. His remarks come in response to Mighty Wanderers’ recent decision to hand Bob Mpinganjira a one-year contract, with an option for review at the end of the season.
Nyirenda argues that for a club to establish a competitive and successful squad, a coach needs adequate time to instill their philosophy, develop players, and create a cohesive team capable of winning trophies. He believes that short-term contracts create unnecessary pressure, leading to instability within teams and limiting a coach’s ability to implement a long-term vision.
“Coaching is about planning and execution, and that takes time. When clubs offer just one-year contracts, they make it difficult for coaches to build strong teams because they are always under pressure to deliver instant results,” Nyirenda explained. He added that football clubs should shift their focus from short-term gains to sustainable growth, which requires patience and strategic investment in coaching staff.
The soccer analyst further emphasized that long-term contracts provide coaches with the confidence to experiment with tactics, develop young talent, and establish a winning culture. He pointed out that many successful teams globally invest in long-term coaching projects, which eventually yield positive results.
Nyirenda’s concerns are particularly relevant in the Malawian football landscape, where clubs frequently change coaches, disrupting team progress. He advised clubs to consider offering multi-year contracts, ensuring that coaches have enough time to build and implement their strategies effectively.
While acknowledging that performance-based evaluations are necessary, he suggested that clubs should focus on structured assessments rather than premature contract terminations. “If a club hires a coach, they should give them time to work. Success in football doesn’t come overnight—it requires patience, planning, and commitment from both management and players,” Nyirenda said.
Mpinganjira’s appointment at Wanderers has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporters backing the decision, while others worry that the short-term contract may not give him enough room to effect meaningful change. However, Nyirenda maintains that a longer contract would have been a better approach to ensure stability and continuity within the team.
As Malawian clubs prepare for the upcoming season, Nyirenda’s advice serves as a critical reminder that coaching stability is a key ingredient in achieving long-term success in football. His call for clubs to move away from short-term contracts could help shape a more structured and competitive football environment in the country.
