Malawi: Wanderers coach admits pressure to field Cameroonian Tanjong

Amid pressure from fans, Mighty Wanderers FC coach Bob Mpinganjira has defended his decision to limit the game-time for Cameroonian striker Sama Thierry Tanjong.

The towering forward made use of his limited appearances for the TNM Super League leaders by scoring in the 2-0 victory over Songwe Border United FC on Wednesday.

Wanderers had struggled to score in the previous game against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets with Muhammad Sulumba guilty of wasting scoring opportunities when it seemed easier to score than to miss.

This prompted the fans to question the coach on why he was not turning to the proven scorer Tanjong as an attacking option.

The Nomads gaffer explained his decision to feature Tanjong sparingly, as he works his way back from full fitness after a lengthy spell on the injury sidelines.

Mpinganjira hailed the Cameroonian for his positive impact on the Super League game against Songwe in the midweek assignment.

Mpinganjira on facing pressure from fans over Cameroonian star

“You know we were under pressure even from a section of supporters who thought the technical panel had issues with him [Sama]. But the issue was that we needed to be cautious and give him ample time to recover from his injury.,” the coach told Wanderers’ media.

Ahead of the third instalment of the Blantyre derby against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on Sunday, the Nomads mentor stressed the need for preparing his players psychologically.

Mpinganjira said he had noted that some of his players only turn up for big games and switch off when facing ‘small’ opponents.

“We came from an emphatic win against Bullets but we left it late to collect maximum points against [Songwe]. No game is a walkover. We need to fight and win. I know it’s a psychological issue, something we need to work on,” the coach explained.

“Regardless of the struggle we faced, I am happy that we won the match and we are now top of the table.”

Wanderers lead the log table with 51 points, two points ahead of Bullets.