Axed Team Manager Madeira urges Wanderers to borrow leaf from rivals in team operations

Former Mighty Wanderers Team Manager Steve Madeira has called on the club to adopt operational models used by rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers if they are to achieve success.

Madeira was dismissed from his position by the Mighty Wanderers board on Wednesday, though the reasons behind his removal remain unclear and the club has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

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Both Board Secretary Chancy Gondwe and Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi declined to comment, saying it was not the appropriate time to discuss the issue.

Madeira believes his dismissal stemmed from advocating for improved player welfare. He revealed that Wanderers players stayed in camp for nine days before their CAF Confederation Cup match against Jwaneng Galaxy and received only MK20,000 each as allowances.

The players also received approximately USD300 as travel allowance—half the amount given to Silver Strikers players, who reportedly received about USD600, according to Madeira.

Speaking after his dismissal, Madeira suggested that certain individuals at Wanderers are using others as “makasu olimira yet iwowo nkumasangalala” (tools for their own benefit).

Reports suggest Madeira was removed for allegedly interfering with coaches’ duties and preventing them from effectively managing the team.

“They told me I was dismissed because I was blocking the coaches from giving players instructions, but is this serious? How can I interfere with the coaching panel?” Madeira questioned.

“I was working for the team out of passion because my salary of MK500,000 was way too little according to my lifestyle. The money I received as salary, other officials get as allowances.”

Madeira added that management promised to handle the media narrative carefully, assuring him they would prevent negative headlines. “I’m still waiting for the proper reasons,” he said.

“Madeira call for structural changes”

The former team manager expressed frustration with what he described as an unconducive working environment from the start of his tenure.

“I will find time to talk to President Thomson Mpinganjira and urge him to manage people on how to run the club,” Madeira stated.

“They have to learn from William Mpinganjira, how he is running his team, Ekhaya. They have to learn from how Bullets run their team, how Silver Strikers run their team. If we take those ideas, we can start doing well.”

Madeira emphasized that Mighty Wanderers has the resources to compete but is being held back by internal issues. “Mighty Wanderers is a team with everything. We are competing with Bullets, we are competing with Silver—let’s take their models and bring them to Wanderers. There are some people who are making things not go well. Thom Mpinganjira supports the team with everything.”

He continued: “Anthu asamakhale makasu omalimira ena kuti adzisangalala. There are some people who are making things not reach the intended destination because Mpinganjira does everything.”

Madeira confirmed he will not return to Wanderers and intends to focus on his businesses and family.

“I should not stay away from my family for seven days and then get MK20,000 as allowance. I have two boys, I have to take care of them,” he explained.

His departure comes just two weeks after the club was eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup following their loss to Jwaneng Galaxy. Madeira becomes the second official to leave the club this season, following Tiya Simba Banda’s exit two months ago.