Jenda united’s woes run deeper than Just the coach as NDL struggles mount

Jenda United, a side in the inaugural NBS Bank National Division League (NDL), finds itself in a precarious position, anchoring the 12-member log table with a grim record of three losses from as many games and no points to show for their efforts.

This alarming start has already led to significant repercussions, with Head Coach Obvious Banda suspended from his duties for the team’s upcoming assignments.

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While the suspension of Coach Banda might suggest he is the sole reason for the team’s dismal performance, a deeper dive into Jenda United’s situation reveals a more complex set of challenges.

Gomezgani Kayoyo, the Club’s General Secretary, confirmed the coach’s temporary removal. “You know that we have started this [National Division] League so badly. As usual, when the team is not winning games, you always look for possible causes of it,” Kayoyo told Wa Mpira in an interview. “We decided to suspend our coach because we want results. We are yet to make a decision on his future, but currently, the team will be under our technical director, Gift Smart Banda. Any further information will be shared.”

However, the team’s struggles extend beyond the technical bench. The very essence of the National Division League was designed to mitigate the burden of long-distance travel for teams. Yet, for the Mzimba-based side, the “tall order” of competing effectively appears to be deeply rooted in systemic issues.

Delving into Jenda United’s performance and financial plight

Jenda United’s statistics paint a stark picture: they have scored a mere one goal in three games while conceding a staggering nine, averaging three goals against them per match.

Further compounding their difficulties is their “home” ground situation. The team currently uses Kasungu Stadium, located approximately 84.1 kilometers away from Mzimba, as their base. This significant distance undoubtedly adds to their operational costs and logistical headaches.

Crucially, Jenda United operates without robust financial backing, surviving largely on the goodwill of well-wishers and community contributions. Kayoyo openly acknowledged the club’s severe financial plight.

“We go around our market collecting contributions whenever we have a game,” he revealed. “‘Football is expensive, it’s not easy to play in such a league with that financial dependency. We are in a financial crisis.”

In an effort to alleviate some of their financial and logistical burdens, Jenda United has formally requested the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to consider a shift of their home ground to Jenda Prison Ground.

Despite their current predicament, the team is preparing for their next fixture this weekend, where they are set to face Namitete Zitha at the familiar (albeit distant) Kasungu Stadium.