Mark Harrison (right) during his time in Malawi
Photo Credit: Mighty Mukuru Wanderers
União Desportiva do Songo (UD Songo) coach Mark Harrison has given a candid post-mortem of the Mozambican team’s performance in the just-ended season while also indicating that he is unsure of the prospects of his contract extension.
The English coach spoke to Pan-Africa Football when asked to summarize the season which saw the Tete-based club, which boasts seasoned professionals such as John Banda, Elias Domingues Pelembe and Luis Miquissone, finish as cup and league runners-up.
The former Chippa United and Golden Arrows coach said it was important to rate UD Songo’s showing beyond the absence of the two silverwares.
“We had a really good season considering where we came from. Last year, the team ended fifth in the league. This year, we ended as the runners-up. We missed the championship by two points and we were also the runners-up in the cup,” he said.
Harrison said they only lost one game each in the league and the cup competition hence the season was not a failure considering that at times, UD Songo players faced logistical challenges such spending extended hours at an airport and being owed money.
The former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers coach said he was unsure whether the management at the former Mozambique champions sees the season in the same way he does.
“We did everything to win trophies but we came a bit short. I don’t know if the club has that in mind. I think they feel that if you don’t win a trophy then you have failed then they get another coach. It is an ongoing saga. I am not sure whether my future is here at Songo or somewhere else. The executive hasn’t said anything yet. My contract ends in December,” the ex-Township Rollers coach said.
He added that football administrators have to play their part logistical and pay to complement the efforts of a coach and achieve results.
UD Songo finished behind eventual league champions Black Bulls FC before losing 2-1 in extra-time to Ferroviário de Maputo in the 2024 ZAP Mozambique Cup final last Saturday afternoon.
Comments