Newly appointed Kansanshi Dynamos coach Mohamed Fathi says his main objective is to steer the team away from relegation and push for a top-eight finish in the MTN Super League.
The Egyptian was unveiled yesterday in Solwezi, replacing Zeddy Saileti after a poor run that left the club with one win in eleven matches and stuck in the relegation zone on nine points.
Fathi, who is contracted until the end of the season, will work with assistants Dennis Makinka and Yoram Kasempa. Buchi Nfune remains the physical trainer, while Humphrey Kapoma continues as the goalkeeping coach.
The experienced tactician has coached several clubs, including Napsa Stars, Kabwe Warriors, Lusaka Dynamos, Power Dynamos and Zimbabwe’s Highlanders. He is best known for guiding Napsa Stars to their first CAF Confederation Cup group stage appearance in the 2020/21 season and for helping teams survive relegation.
Fathi acknowledges the tough task ahead but says he is ready to turn Kansanshi’s season around.
“There is a challenge because I think the last challenge for me was Napsa Stars. It was a worse situation than this one. But we managed to survive relegation; the situation was much worse than here,” Mohamed said.
“But I think here we can organise ourselves and we can, we can surprise everyone in this country.”
Kansanshi squad too big- Mohamed
Mohamed added that his immediate target is to help the team finish in the top eight. He also plans to trim the squad, saying it is too large for professional standards, and hinted at making new signings.
“Our aim this season is to improve the team and take it to the top as we can,” he said. “I think our target is to be in the top eight, but we try to raise the bar to the top four.
“We see how we can progress with the current players, and also, we assist the players. Mid-season is coming, and winter is coming. We will see if we can strengthen the team with two or three more players to ensure the squad is strong.
“I also see the number is too big. We’re gonna reduce it to the professional number. We need around 30 players; we have over this number.”
Kansanshi Dynamos currently have 32 players. They have struggled this season, recording six draws, four losses, and just one win—a 1-0 victory over Nchanga Rangers in Week 10.
Mohamed’s first match in charge will be against FC Muza, who are coming off a 5-1 victory over Green Buffaloes last weekend.
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