Blue Eagles Football Club ( FC) has appointed it’s former coach, Deklerk Msakauona as a caretaker coach following the departure of the team’s four-year tactical master Eliah Kananji.
Kananji, who is reportedly wanted by Creck sporting club, tendered his resignation on Thursday, but his last match will be be today against Ekhaya FC.
A statement we have seen, signed by Malawi Police Service Sports Board Chairperson Babra Mchenga Tsiga, confirms that the team has parted ways with Kananji who tendered his resignation on Thursday.
The statement says Eagles cherishes the nurturing role that Kananji has played, saying it hopes the puzzle would be cordially filled by Msakakuona Snr.
“This appointment follows the resignation of Mr. Elia Kananji from his position as Head Coach, effective 29th May 2025. The club extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Kananji for his invaluable service and dedication since joining the team in 2021. His leadership and commitment have played a pivotal role in the club’s journey over the past four years. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
Mr. Deklerk Msakakuona, who served as the club’s Technical Director, will take on the role of interim coach. A seasoned football professional, Mr. Msakakuona brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the team’s dynamics, making him well-suited to lead the squad during this transitional period,” says the statement in part.
Effort to speak to both Msakakuona and Kananji proved futile as their phones could not be reached after several attempts.
Kananji’s resignation comes barely months after he had signed a two year contract with the area 30 side up to 2027.
Reports are awash, that Eagles will demand Kananji to buy out his two year contract as it was stipulated in an agreement the two sides signed.
The tactical master is reportedly heading to Creck sporting club, which fired it’s head coach Joseph Kamwendo last Wednesday.
Both Creck and Kananji were quoted by local media as having been tounge -tied on the speculations.
Msakakuona served as Blue Eagles coach for 11 years. During his time, the cop won several titles including the defunct FISD Challenge Cup and Standard Bank Cup.
He left Eagles when he was appointed Malawi Under 17 National Football Team Coach in 2019.
Following his departure, team appointed Gerald Phiri, Snr as coach.
Phiri, under whose tutelage Blue eagles escaped relegation on the last day of the season, left the team in 2021 on mutual agreement.
Eagles then appointed Kananji, whose period at at Blue Eagles, experienced mixed fortunes.
Initially, the team was relegated to the Central Region Football Association’s Chipiku Stores League in 2023, and bounced last year after emerging champions without a loose on the Lower league.
Kananji also led Blue Eagles into the 2024 FDH BANK Cup after defeating defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
By Herbert Katanda
