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For the second time this season, Musa Nyatama has been thrust into the spotlight as Swallows coach, but there’s a lot more at stake.
The young tactician will be the interim coach at the Dube Birds following Ernst Middendorp’s sudden resignation for a job in the German third division despite signing a three-year deal at Swallows in December.
Nyatama, caretaker coach before Middendorp was hired, lost 1-0 to Golden Arrows on his return and is aware of the survival battle that lies ahead in the seven remaining matches.
"We can only take the positives. The plan going forward obviously is to work on our goal scoring opportunities. We create a lot of opportunities but unfortunately, we did not take even one. Going forward obviously, I have to help the players to score goals," he said.
One of the notable changes Nyatama immediately made was in the goalkeeping department, dropping first choice Thakasani Mbanjwa for the experienced Daniel Akpeyi.
"Look, Thaka has done very well for us. He still remains an important member of the team. There are those decisions that you just need to take. We started with four at the back today, we've been playing with three. So, we have to give each and every player that gives 110% at training a chance. So, Daniel with his experience also, he will help us going forward," he added.
The Arrows defeat was a big blow, leaving Swallows in 14th place and four points above the automatic relegation spot.
Nyatama says the players know their responsibilities.
"They've got a duty. They know that they need to adapt. It happens that in a season you change a coach and whoever comes in, comes with their own philosophy or with their style of play so players need to adapt. I think they've done very well in the previous games, the only thing now as I said before is that we need to start winning our games," he concluded.
