Wanderers confirm plans to extend Bob’s contract as Head Coach

Bob Mpinganjira has guaranteed his position as Mighty Wanderers head coach for next season after fulfilling a crucial contractual target—ending the club’s eight-year league championship drought.

Wa Mpira reported earlier this year that Wanderers had appointed Mpinganjira, previously assistant to Meke Mwase, as head coach for the 2025 season. The club initially explored offering him a two-year deal, but this met resistance from sections of the executive committee and supporter base.

Many within the Nomads family had favored appointing an expatriate coach following Mwase’s abrupt departure on leave without notice. However, club president and board chairperson Thom Mpinganjira championed Bob’s cause, convinced of his capabilities after witnessing him guide the team to Castel Challenge Cup glory during his interim spell last season.

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Rather than the two-year contract Thom Mpinganjira preferred, executives settled on a one-year performance-based agreement. Winning the league title for the first time since 2017 has now triggered the contract extension clause, ensuring Bob’s continued tenure.

While additional cup triumphs were included as contract objectives, securing the league championship has proven decisive. Club president Thom Mpinganjira has confirmed plans to offer the coach and his entire technical staff new contracts.

“I am very happy, as is every Nomad. It shows our investment has been worthwhile and demonstrates genuine progress,” Mpinganjira said. “The mission to make Mighty mighty again has been successfully completed.

“This has been long overdue, and to achieve it in such emphatic fashion is deeply satisfying. We cannot afford complacency—continuity is paramount. The challenge now is retaining the title next season and beyond. That’s what occupies everyone’s thoughts at the club.”

Mpinganjira, who serves dual roles as president and board chairperson, acknowledged feeling vindicated after facing internal opposition to maintaining Bob as head coach.

“I had to battle resistance within the Nomads family over Bob’s appointment. I feel vindicated now,” he said. “You don’t dismantle a system that delivers results. The technical team will remain intact. However, we’re exploring opportunities for staff members to attend advanced coaching courses abroad during the off-season.”

Bob, who served as assistant to the late Yasin Osman when Wanderers last claimed the title in 2017, expressed gratitude for the president’s unwavering support.

“I feel relieved to have achieved the league objective, especially for the president, the supporters and the entire Nomads family. This is a timely Christmas present for them all,” he said. “It was challenging, but I believe we earned it based on our results, performances and, particularly, our consistency throughout the campaign.”