Head Coach Enos Chatama shares his thoughts on the latest triple signings while discussing the midseason transfer business.
Here are the full remarks from the gaffer on the latest triple signings.
On the Triple Signings
“They are good players, and we are happy to have them on board. It has been tough to convince them to join Ekhaya, but now we have won that battle. They are now in our den, and we have to use them properly. We must help them settle into our philosophy and adapt to our style of play.”
What It Means
“This is good news for the team and for Malawian football. It shows that a small team coming from the lower division has brought in three quality players. It also shows that Malawian football is improving, and we may see more competition in the coming years.”
On Their Way to Play
“Their style of play is good, but each team is different. They were playing in completely different teams before. Ekhaya is another team with a different style of play, but we will help them settle properly and play the way we want. Teams cannot change their philosophy because of players; players have to adapt to the team’s style.”
How They Are Going to Make Us Better
We believe they are good players who will help the team improve. We have a philosophy: a team needs a spine. You need a good goalkeeper, strong defenders, central midfielders, and a proper number 9. We believe we are building a solid team.
We will still bring in some players to settle into the team; it’s a process. We may sign players now or in another transfer window. In the next two years, we may take players from the reserves who will settle properly with these already-established players.”
More Signings to Happen?
“We cannot say for sure. As we have said, we are not just looking for players; we are looking for players with resale value. Look at the average age of our squad: we cannot sign many players over 30. Most of our signings are around 23; we also have players aged 19 and 20. We aim for an average squad age of about 21 and a half.
That will create a team capable of playing together for the next four to five years. These players will help Ekhaya and may eventually contribute to the national team.”
How Soon to See the Impact
“We have signed these players, but there should be no pressure of any kind. Signing players does not mean Ekhaya will solve everything immediately.
We are in the process of building a strong team for the future. People need to be patient: in the first year, we aim to stay in the league; in the second year, we may reach the top eight; and in the third year, we may win something.
Fans need to be patient, Rome wasn’t built in a day. We are moving with a vision. As Proverbs 29:18 says, ‘Where there is no vision, people perish.’ We are moving together with this vision the team, the company, the supporters, the technical staff, and the players, all working together to achieve something meaningful.”
