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Amini Soma-Phiri

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS supporters yesterday demanded that interim coach Amini Soma-Phiri be given the job fulltime after guiding Bosso to a 1-0 win over city rivals Chicken Inn in the Netone sponsored Easycall Cup final at Barbourfields Stadium.

The fans said it would be unfair for the Highlanders executive to appoint a foreign coach when all that Bosso needs is success, and Soma-Phiri has delivered.

Leading calls for Phiri to be made substantive coach was Bosso legend Douglas “British” Mloyi, who said it would be very wrong for Highlanders to appoint another coach after the Easycall Cup win yesterday.

Mloyi, who was at a loss for words after yesterday’s win, said Soma-Phiri must be given the job.

“To be frank, Amini lifted us from a very embarrassing position and now we’re the Easycall Cup champions. So why look for another coach especially someone who will cost us money. Give this guy a chance and see what happens,” said Mloyi.

Mloyi said Soma-Phiri has proved to all and sundry that he was a good coach, especially without any salary.

Highlanders supporter Wellington Sibanda said the club leadership should just cancel whatever contract they might have signed with a foreign coach and appoint Soma-Phiri.

“Bosso is about winning things and Amini has done that so why bring in someone. Abadala should give Amini the job,” said Sibanda.

Adonia Moyo, who was seated at the Empankweni stand, said it would be sad if the Highlanders leadership does not give Soma-Phiri the job.

“I’m so happy; we will now be recognised as a team. Amini should get this job instead of this guy from outside the country; give uKhazeni the job,” said Moyo.

A Dynamos supporter Simba Chikutsa said while Chicken Inn deserved to lift the cup, Highlanders were the better side in the game and their coach needs to be given a chance.

“I’m not sure about the penalty given to Highlanders but their coach must be given the job,” said Chikutsa.

Meanwhile, Twine Phiri, whose Premier Soccer League leadership is under siege, yesterday described the final as the best he had ever watched.

“Our football is back, make no mistake about that. I still want to watch more of such football. It’s just awesome and I’m extremely thrilled.

“The attendance was something else and as a league we’re so happy,” said Phiri. The final was also attended by the Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane and Zifa acting president Omega Sibanda.

Sibanda was surprisingly not part of the medals’ presentation party as he was reportedly not officially invited to the final. Instead, newly elected Zifa board member and former Warriors’ player Edzai Kasinauyo represented the national association on the podium.