Clock ticks for Mario

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says while it is disappointed with the Flames’ recent  shoddy display,  it will  follow the due process in assessing Flames coach Mario Marinica’s performance.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said this in an interview yesterday following a meeting the association had with the Malawi National Council of Sports on Wednesday night in Blantyre where the council expressed concern  over  the Flames’ shambolic performance against Egypt in the recent back-to-back 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

He said apart from the team’s poor performance , the meeting also discussed the Romanian coach’s contract.

Said Nyamilandu:  “We informed Sports Council that we have a due process to follow in appraising the performance of the coach and we need to respect our governance structures.

“We advised council that we have embarked on a process to review his contract starting with the technical subcommittee tomorrow [today], suffice  to say his contract is very specific as performance-based.”

“Based on the report, a final decision will be made by the [FAM] executive committee as soon as possible bearing in mind that his contract expires on April 30.”

Nyamilandu further said they assured Sports Council that “we are treating the matter with necessary urgency as they are looking into the future”.

Malawi lost the first leg 2-0 in Cairo before succumbing to a 0-4 humiliation in the reverse fixture at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe four days later where the coach left the bench for the dressing room at least 15 minutes before the end of the match.

While Flames gaffer’s contract expires on April 30, but depending on the outcome of the process, it could be terminated by mutual consent.

Asked on FAM’s position regarding the coach’s performance so far, Nyamilandu said: “We are obviously concerned about the dismal performance of the Flames in the qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Our performance against Egypt was shambolic, to say the least, as the players just didn’t turn up.

“We will do everything necessary to remedy the situation so that we can return to winning ways as soon as possible.

“However, all is not lost as the result against Egypt is not a true reflection of what the Flames are capable of doing. We have been exposed by a strong team that has been rejuvenated and is geared to prove a point.”

Nyamilandu also took it on the chin and conceded that the result on Tuesday “was embarrassing and we have learnt the hard way”.

He said: “It’s clear that we are still suffering from the hangover of the Afcon Cameroon euphoria which is now history.  We need to accept the harsh reality of our shortcomings by focusing on winning new titles and being ahead of the game.

“I would like to assure Malawians that we will bounce back soon.”

Sports Council board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise confirmed having raised their concerns with FAM.

He said: “But the decision regarding the coach’s contract lies with FAM and they assured us that their technical subcommittee will evaluate his performance and that the committee will recommend to their executive committee on the way forward.

“That said, as council, we have no mandate to fire a coach employed by FAM as we are not privy to the contract.”

Other issues that were raised by council were how players are selected, organisation and importance of the Saudi Arabia camping, players’ intention to boycott training due to allowances and Marinica’s contract found its way on the social media.

Marinica was not available for comment yesterday.

But football analyst Kevin Moyo said FAM needs to let Marinica see out his contract.

He said: “Of course, there is pressure from some quarters, but he only has about a month left on his contract and of what significance will it be to terminate it now?

“Let him see out his contract and then FAM can identify a caretaker coach.

“After all, our next match is in June and a month is enough for a caretaker panel to prepare the team for the last two encounters.”

Under Marinica, the Flames have played 14 matches, winning three, losing six and drawing five.

He was hired as Flames coach in April last year by FAM executive committee to replace Meck Mwase, who was removed and redeployed as Under-23 national team coach later on, a post he turned down.

This was after he guided the Flames to qualify for 2021 Afcon.

Initially, FAM hired Marinica as a technical director, but was temporarily appointed head coach ahead of the Afcon finals in Cameroon in January  last year where he guided the team to the knockout stages.