The Wisconsin men’s soccer team came together last night for the first time since learning Kalekeni Mtalika Banda resigned as its coach.
Players met to discuss their course of action for the coming weeks, while the program is administered without the leadership of a head coach. Assistant athletic director John Jentz, who is directing the athletic department’s search for Banda’s replacement, briefed the team on the selection process and added some encouraging news.
Apparently the Badgers will not be lacking suitors.
Jentz said over 60 coaches have already filed applications for the position, which is the only head opening in Division I college soccer. Because of the competition for the job and the unusually large field after Major League Soccer contracted two of its teams, Banda’s resignation came at a good time for the athletic department, which learned of 20 new applicants yesterday alone.
UW expects to have contact with at least 100 applicants by the time the final list of coaching candidates becomes public Friday.
From that point, Jentz and the athletic department will begin background checks and other components in an “involved process” to narrow the nationwide selection.
Some of the notable names rumored to have interest in the job are Yale coach Brian Tompkins, UW-Milwaukee coach Louis Bennett and John Trask, of the former MLS Miami Fusion.
Interim coach Michael Johnson also addressed the team to explain some preparations for spring practice, but did not say whether he applied for the permanent position.
Players got a chance to speak with Banda, who made his intentions known through e-mail before officially stepping down. Banda further explained his reasons for leaving, which include family difficulties and dissatisfaction with Madison as a community in which to raise his African-American children.
He told the team he “definitely” intends to find a coaching job elsewhere, but does not know exactly when or where.
Banda stepped down Jan. 4 after leading the Badgers to a 10-8-1 record, his best mark in five seasons with Wisconsin. His career record is 194-129-30, and he was extremely successful in his nine years as the women’s soccer coach at Massachusetts.
