Safa joins Malawian players debate

A South Africa Football Association (Safa) top official has added his voice on the struggles of Malawian players in the Rainbow Nation.

Safa public relations officer Matlhomola Morake spoke to Nation Online last week over the players’ ordeal in his personal capacity.

“Perhaps, it is the lifestyle of Jo’burg. May be it is the weather and different lifestyles. It takes more time for them to get used to the touch-and-go football of South Africa,” Morake said in a telephone interview.

Dave Banda is the eighth Malawian player since 2010 to return home after unsuccessful spell at Black Leopards. This is in contrast to other foreigners from countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana who make some impact in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Morake suggested that it is easier for Zimbabweans, Tswanas and Zambian players to adjust to the PSL and its life “as they are just across the border and get to watch most of our games…. I am just thinking.”

Former Flames captain John Maduka was a huge success story with Thanda Royal Zulu and his current club Bloemfontein Celtic. He attributed his compatriots’ struggles to lack of consistence.

Platinum Stars’ Robert Ng’ambi is the only consistent Malawian in PSL.

“Malawian players are talented, but it is a question of them failing to take care of themselves. Small things such as having a responsible wife, proper food and rest matter,” said the Celtic team manager.

Last week, South Africa-based Malawian sports journalist Benjamin Nyirenda said most South African clubs would rather feature an ill-behaved local than a foreigner such as a Malawian.

“It is expensive to sustain a foreigner. From processing their work permits etc. Most Malawian players, once they get here, forget what they came for. They concentrate on wrong things,” explained Nyirenda.