Chatama (top) and Khan
* The club maintains that decisions have been made after a thorough review by the club’s leadership, aligning with its strategic objectives for the current season and beyond
By Duncan Mlanjira
A day after announcing the departure of head coach, Enos Chatama, Ekhaya FC has also parted ways with team manager Francis Khan.
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In both statements released by Chief Executive Officer, Thando Mhango, the team maintains that the decisions were made after a thorough review by the club’s leadership — aligning with the club’s strategic objectives for the current season and beyond.
The club, however, takes cognizance of Chatama’s contribution towards the team’s performance, guiding the Cowboys to finish 7th in their debut appearance of the top flight league.
They thus qualified for the Airtel Top 8, and went on to lift the title by beating 2025 league champions Mighty Wanderers 2-1 in the final.
Along the road to the final, they shrugged off 4-time Airtel Top 8 winners and defending champions, Nyasa Big Bullets on post-match penalties after drawing 2-2 on two legged aggregate of 1-1 draws.
They went further to beat Karonga United in the semifinals but the Cowboys could not beat Karonga again in their following FDH Bank Premiership assignment over the weekend by drawing 0-0.
After struggling in their first few matches and picking themselves up, the Cowboys have ended the FDH Bank Premiership on 11th place with 18 points — from four wins, six draws and five losses.
The club thus indicates that they appreciate Chatama’s efforts “in leading the team and wish him every success in his future endeavours”.
The club further announced that Fundi Akidu assumed responsibility as interim coach, to be assisted by Moses Chavula, “while the club considers the next steps regarding the team’s head coach”.
On the part of the team manager, Khan, the also recognised his “distinguished service and invaluable contribution during his tenure [he] played a key role in the club’s promotion to the top flight league”.
He is also honoured for his part in the “commendable” finish in their debut season that culminated into winning the Airtel Top 8.
Lying on 11th place, Ekhaya have an uphill task ahead of the FDH Bank Premiership second round as chasing them in the fight for the top eight finish will be Karonga United on 12th with 14 points sharing with Dedza Dynamos, who are placed 13th.
MAFCO are 14th with 13 points, Kamuzu Barracks on 15th with 12 points while at the rock bottom are Creck Sporting Club with 10 points.
Having a points difference of 12 behind the current leaders, Nyasa Big Bullets, the best and honourable that Ekhaya can achieve is to get into the top eight to defend their Airtel Top 8 title.
They are one point behind 10th-placed LUANAR Mitundu; two behind Civil Service United and Red Lions on 9th and 8th place, respectively.
And they are three points behind 7th-placed Chitipa United and 6th-placed Moyale — both with 21 points — and four behind Masters FC on 5th with 22 points.
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Further ahead of the Cowboys are Blue Eagles with 28 points on 4th; Silver Strikers on 3rd with 29 points — sharing with defending champions Mighty Wanderers, who are placed as runners-up.
Mighty Wanderers, who did could not play their final FDH Bank Premiership over the weekend as they had a CAF Champions League preliminary round encounter with Tanzanian club Simba SC, will honour their assignment against Blue Eagles on September 19.
Ekhaya qualified into the super league after being crowned champions of the Southern Region Football League’s Premier Division — also in their debut appearance.
Chatama was roped in soon after qualifying for the top flight in which they created a stir from the beginning before the pressure of the big stage took its toll to eventually a respectable finish 7th.
