Kinnah confirms SA return

Former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has confirmed on Tuesday that he is set to return to South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Free State Stars as head coach when his contract with government expires mid next year.

Kinnah, who is regional football development officer for the North, said he will soon apply for leave to seal a deal with the struggling PSL side which has parted ways with Steve Komphela.

“I have always had a good relationship with Free State Stars management, in particular the board chairperson and he contacted me a few days ago to consider a return to the club.

“I told him that much as I would be willing, I am still contracted to Malawi Government and he said there would be no problem because they want me for next season. So, yes I can confirm that I will be returning to Free State,” said Kinnah.

“God is great and when some people are trying to obstruct you, he opens the door,” he added.

While Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda was quoted by the media last week as saying even former coaches will be free to apply for Flames job when it is advertised, Kinnah counted himself out.

“For now, I am done with the Flames. They [FAM] dismissed us saying we had failed then how do you expect a failure to go for the same job?” he asked.

According to South Africa’s Soccer Laduma, Kinnah is on his way to work with Themba Sithole who is the interim head coach.

“However, there is still uncertainty at the moment as to what role Phiri is earmarked for with some sources saying he will be Sithole’s assistant, while others say he will be the technical director,” the paper reported.