Ex-Chippa United coach Mark Harrison resurfaces in Malawi
Former Chippa United coach Mark Harrison has joined Malawi’s Mighty Mukuru Wanderers as Technical Director (TD).
Wanderers spokesperson Clement Stambuli told The Nation newspaper that Harrison has signed a two-year contract.
“Harrison has vast experience both as a tactician and a former player. He played football at the top level in Europe as a goalkeeper and has coached a number of teams both in Europe and on the continent,” Stambuli is quoted saying.
Harrison told The Nation that he was excited to be granted the opportunity to lead Wanderers.
“I am absolutely excited, and I can’t wait to get started. I am just waiting to tie up a few things,” he is quoted saying.
WANDERERS SMARTING FROM HEAVY LOSS
The Blantyre-based team has announced Harrison’s appointment days after losing 4-0 to sworn rivals Nyasa Big Bullets in the FDH Cup semifinal in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The Englishman is expected to start work with the elite TNM Super League team on October 1 2022.
The former Gor Mahia coach seems to have come a bit late to save the season for Wanderers.
The Nomads, as Wanderers are fondly called, lie fifth in the 16-member log table, 15 points behind holders and leaders Bullets.
Each team has an average of 10 games to go.
He is coming to probably Malawi’s second biggest team in terms of fan base.
The former Golden Arrows coach has replaced Eddingtone Ng’onamo as the TD for the seven-time Super League champions.
The 61-year-old will be working as an advisor to the senior team and also oversee youth and reserve team operations.
JOURNEYMAN
Harrison is a journeyman, having travelled the length and breadth of Africa coaching clubs such as Caps United in Zimbabwe and Township Rollers in Botswana.
The former Mpumalanga Black Aces trainer won the Botswana Premier League title with Rollers in 2016.
The coach then crossed the borders to Zimbabwe, where led Harare City FC to Chibuku Super Cup glory the following year.
The Derby-born Harrison has also coached teams in Tanzania.
Harrison is well known in South Africa following the time he spent at Black Aces from 2010 to 2011 then African Warriors the following season.
He spent a season at Chippa and then Golden Arrows during the year 2013.
He last worked for Gor Mahia in Kenya.