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Ex-AFC Leopards coach Pieter de Jongh sues Malawian side for Ksh 41 million over unlawful sacking, demanding justice and compensation.
After a tumultuous stint in Malawi former AFC Leopards coach Pieter de Jongh has taken a bold step by suing Silver Strikers over what he deems an unlawful dismissal.
The Dutch coach is demanding a whopping K500 million (equivalent to approximately Ksh 41.3 million) as compensation for the alleged unjust termination of his contract.
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De Jongh's tenure in African football has been marked by notable highs and contentious lows.
Not long ago, in December, the Dutch coach was in Nairobi engaging in discussions with Bandari and Kenya Police FC, signaling a potential return to the FKF Premier League.
These talks highlighted his enduring appeal in Kenyan football circles, stemming from his time with AFC Leopards.
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It was during his period at Leopards that De Jongh left an indelible mark, notably steering the team away from relegation in 2014 and orchestrating a memorable 3-1 victory over Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby.
The lawsuit against Silver Strikers, filed in the Industrial Relations Court in Blantyre, Malawi, by De Jongh's legal representative William Faulkner, highlights several grievances that the Dutch coach had with the club.
Among these complaints was the club's failure to procure a work permit for him, leading to a precarious situation where he feared arrest and deportation.
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Additionally, De Jongh lamented the club's lack of support in bolstering the squad with his requested signings, with only one of the many proposed players being brought on board.
In an interview, De Jongh expressed his frustration, stating, "Apart from compensation, I also want them [Silver] to bear the costs of the case. We are now just waiting for the court to set the date. I keep on saying that performance-based contracts are always two-sided. There were so many things that I proposed, but were not fulfilled," as he conveyed to The Nation Malawi.
The response from Silver Strikers has been muted, with CEO Patrick Chimimba indicating that the club has yet to be served with court documents and thus could not comment on the matter.
This case could set a precedent for how clubs in African leagues engage with foreign coaches, ensuring clearer communication and more transparent dealings to avoid such costly legal battles.
The Dutchman's tenure at Silver Strikers, despite its unceremonious end, was marked by ambitious targets including winning the TNM Super League and two cups.
Unfortunately, the team only managed a runners-up finish in the league and the Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup, leading to De Jongh's dismissal halfway through his two-year contract.
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