Former Flames coach, Kinnah Phiri, has attributed his Mbeya City FC’s poor finish in the Tanzanian Premier League to some of his key players’ persistent injuries.
Mbeya finished on position 11 on the 16-member league table with 33 points, one point above the relegation zone.
Having registered seven wins in 30 matches, Mbeya—home to Malawians, Sankhani Mkandawire and Owen Chaima—collected two points in their final five games.
In the 2015/2016 campaign, Mbeya finished on position eight.
“Not that we were bad throughout [the season] only that my boys were unfortunate. We were in the mid-table after the first-round. However, football here is more physical and I had several injuries to some of my key players.
“As a result, we were overtaken by several teams. If you take a look at the final log table, you will find that there is only a gap of five points between us and the team in sixth place,” he said.
The former Malawi National Team forward added that he does not feel any pressure.
Phiri, on the other hand, expressed interest in signing Malawian players to beef up his attacking force.
“If I can get a chance, I will sign at least two Malawian strikers. This year we have managed to scored 27 goals only, yet in the previous campaign we scored five goals more,” Phiri added.
Tanzanian Premier League, locally known as Ligikuu Bara, ended on Sunday with Young Africans being crowned champions.
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