Mtawali’s fate today

The fate of Flames coach Ernest Mtawali and his backroom staff will be known today, according to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) technical subcommittee.

This follows a meeting which the subcommittee had with Mtawali and his assistant Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan on Saturday in Blantyre.

The subcommittee’s chairperson James Mwenda, who is also FAM vice-president, said: “We came up with our own recommendations based on the evaluation of the team’s overall performance and based on that, we have sought the approval of FAM executive committee [exco].

“Bearing in mind that the next FAM exco meeting will be in August, we have thought it wise to seek its views now since the coaches’ contracts are expiring end of next month,.

“We have an assurance that by close of business today, the executive should have made a decision on whether to approve or disapprove our recommendation.”

He also said the key area which they touched was the team’s performance and the recommendations on the way forward.

“The issue of the coaches’ fate only came in because their contracts are coming to an end and, therefore, we had to recommend on the way forward based on our assessement, but FAM exco has the final say,” said Mwenda.

On his part, Mtawali, who has won six games, lost six and drawn four, confirmed submitting a report to the technical sub-committee.

He said: “I presented a report on the recent 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier against Zimbabwe and the Cosafa Castle Cup. Of course, I will also submit a comprehensive report on my tenure.

“But as for what was discussed, it is classfied information unless it comes from the technical committee itself.”

Asked on how he rates his chances of having his contract renewed, the Flames mentor said: “My focus was on team rebuilding which I felt was on track but on whether I will crack FAM’s nod is entirely up to them.”