Coach’s job up for grabs

As the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) ponders the hiring of a local coach to take the Flames through the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifying stages, Nation on Sunday wondered who the lucky local coach would be this time around and went on to engage soccer pundits on the issue.

It started early in the week with FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda disclosing to the local media that a decision was made at a recent meeting the association had with Sports Council to engage a local Flames coach.

Nyirenda said the meeting resolved to employ a local trainer as a cost-effective  measure since FAM is still paying former trainers Kinnah Phiri and his assistants Young Chimodzi and Jack Chamangwana who were redeployed as regional coaches awaiting expiry of their contracts in August this year.

“Of course, there are names that were thrown into fray, but I cannot disclose them until the executive meets to discuss the proposal,” Nyirenda was quoted as saying.

Although FAM has kept a tight lid on possible candidates for the job, analysts suggested names of individuals they feel have attractive qualifications, achievements and experiences that can help the Flames.

They said experience and qualifications of Young Chimodzi, Jack Chamangwana and Yasin Osman cannot be ignored for the head coach job while Ernest Mtawali, Patrick Mabedi and Nicholas Mhango are suitable as deputy coaches.

Ex-Flames captain James Sangala said the Flames need an experienced tactician who must be deputised by an up-and-coming trainer.

“What I can say is that the Flames need a coach with vast experience, including coaching the national team,” said Sangala.

He said Chimodzi’s outstanding record both as player and coach for the Flames and domestic teams and the respect he commands from most local players can work better for the Flames.

He added that Chimodzi’s strict discipline appeal and tactical prowess that helped to transform the current TNM Super League titleholders Silver Strikers into a formidable force and win several trophies before winning Escom United their first-ever Super League title in 2010, are some of his strengths.

Soccer analyst Kondi Msungama said just like Chimodzi, Chamangwana’s vast experience as a player between 1970s and 1980s and as coach between 1998 and 1999 should be tried.

“It must be remembered that as a player he captained the Flames for 10 years and won major titles such as the Cecafa Cup in 1978 and 1979. Probably, that is where he developed himself into a leader who understands players’ needs for success,” said Msungama.

He said Chamangwana’s winning of trophies with Young Africans FC of Tanzania, South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs and Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers, also gives him an advantage.

He also pointed out Osman as a prospective candidate because he is probably the highest qualified and the most experienced coach in the country. Osman is a licensed Confederations of African Football (CAF) coaches’ trainer. He coached the Flames as interim coach in 2004.

Chamangwana said he cannot accept the offer because he is already satisfied with his current job as Southern Region football development coach while Osman said he would welcome such an opportunity. Chimodzi could not be reached for comment.

“I cannot refuse to take up that post because as a Malawian, I have a responsibility to fight for my country’s pride. If that chance comes to me, would first make sure up-and-coming talents are given games more often,” said Osman.

He said he would try his best to fight for improvement of the players’ incentives so that they can be motivated.

Both Sangala and Msungama said Mtawali and Mabedi would be favourable candidates since the association already sent them to Germany for Level-A coaching course in line with its plans to recruit them on long term basis in future.

Mabedi captained the Flames and Kaizer Chiefs for years and is among the top-10 foreign players to ever do well in the South Africa’s elite league. Mtawali played for high-profile teams in Africa, Asia and Europe.

Former Players Association of Malawi president Ojukwu Malunga suggested Mhango due to his remarkable record with Moyale Barracks. Under his guidance, Moyale reached the finals of the Carlsberg and Standard Bank cups and they are still in contention for the yet-to-be-concluded 2013/14 Super League season.

“He is also a disciplined coach who has helped Moyale in many ways,” said Malunga.

According to Nyirenda, FAM is yet to agree with the Sports Council on the exact dates when the names of the nominated candidates will be disclosed later this month.

—You may have your own choice and reasons for someone to be considered for the job. Send your views to: mmmeya@mwnation.com