Veteran tactician Eliya Kananji has urged for unity and collaboration at Creck Sporting Club as he begins a fresh chapter in his coaching journey following his recent appointment as head coach.
Kananji, who previously led FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, joins the Creck-hardware-sponsored outfit after parting ways with Blue Eagles FC, where he served for nearly four years.
He replaces former Flames midfielder Joseph Kamwendo, who was relieved of his duties for reasons reportedly unrelated to on-field performance. Kamwendo had a shaky start to life at Creck, overseeing two wins, two draws, and three losses before his departure. He had taken over from McDonald Mtetemera earlier this season.
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According to club insiders, Creck Sporting considered three high-profile names for the job—former Flames coaches Patrick Mabedi and Ernest Mtawali, along with Kananji. Ultimately, the club opted for Kananji, citing his impressive domestic coaching record and proven track record in both top-flight and lower league football.
Kananji’s resume speaks volumes. He famously won the Carlsberg Cup with both Bullets and Wanderers, and guided Blue Eagles to a second-place finish in the 2022 TNM Super League. Though relegated with Eagles in 2023, he masterminded their unbeaten campaign in the Central Region Chipiku League, securing immediate promotion. Notably, he also became the first coach to win the FDH Bank Cup while managing a second-tier side.
Creck Sporting confirmed Kananji’s appointment on Saturday, just hours before their match against Mafco FC. The club [Eagles] has since elevated Deklerk Msakakuona to head coach at Blue Eagles in his place, with Steve Nsakakuona serving as assistant.
“We can do wonders as a team” – Kananji
In his first remarks as Creck Sporting head coach, Kananji emphasized the importance of collective effort.
“I’m happy to be part of the Creck Sporting family. I’m not here to do miracles alone—we can do wonders if we work together as a team: the officials, board, technical panel, and players,” said Kananji.
“If we cooperate, we can achieve more. But if we don’t, we won’t go anywhere. My goal is to be successful here, just like I was at Wanderers, Bullets, Blantyre United, Civil Service United, Masters Security, and Blue Eagles.”
Kananji is expected to retain the current backroom staff led by interim coach Harry Saidi. Reports suggest that Creck Sporting offered him a lucrative deal worth MK2.5 million per month—a substantial upgrade from the MK900,000 salary he earned at Blue Eagles.
He inherits a Creck side riding a wave of momentum, having registered back-to-back wins against Songwe Border FC and Mafco FC. Impressively, the team remains unbeaten since Kamwendo’s departure.
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