FAM told to hire local tactician for Flames
Government has shut the door on the prospect of hiring an expatriate as the Flames’ head coach, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu disclosed on Tuesday.
He said the ultimate employers, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, have told the association that Capital Hill coffers are shallow to meet an expatriate’s demands.
“We have commitment from government towards recruitment of a local coach. The available funds are not sufficient for an expatriate coach,” he said on Tuesday when asked about the Flames’ way forward.
Sports and Youth Development Minister Grace Chiumia said she was busy when called yesterday to confirm government’s position on sacked coach Young Chimodzi’s successor. On the other hand, sports director Jameson Ndalama has been elusive.
Belgian Tom Saintfiet was the last foreigner to manage the Flames as a freelancer in 2013. Care taker Ernest Mtawali took charge of the July 6 Independence Anniversary Celebrations game which the Flames won 1-0 after struggles against a depleted Uganda Under-23 side.
Ahead of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Swaziland in the first week of September, FAM wants to hire a coach by August 1 2015 and will only consider candidates with Uefa A, B and Fifa professional licences.
“We are happy that Ernest has successfully completed his assignment. That experience could put him in good stead during interviews,” Nyamilandu said about the former Under-20 coach who says he will apply for the permanent job.
Research shows that quality foreign coaches across Africa demand at least K23 million ($50 000) gross monthly perks, whereas Malawi home trainers on government payroll pocket in the ranges of K1.5 million gross ($3 260) at prevailing exchange rate of K460 to the dollar.
Recently resigned Namibia local coach Ricardo Manetti was being paid an equivalent of K1.9 million (R50 000) whereas sacked Nigeria mentor Stephen Keshi’s salary was 5 million naira which is equivalent to K11 million or $25 125 per month.
Coaches such as Portuguese Paulo Duarte, Zambian Honour Janza and Zimbabwean Ian Gorowa had reportedly inquired about the job which was formally advertised in The Daily Times edition of yesterday, without specifications on the ideal candidates’ nationality.
National Coaches Committee acting general secretary Benjamin Nyirenda has repeatedly insisted that there are qualified coaches capable of managing the most followed, but under-performing football team.
