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The Flames need psychological preparations for this Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya as Fifa has raised security concerns over Somalia’s Al Shabaab and crowd trouble.
Kenya soldiers have been fighting against Al Shabaab for some months. In the latest incident, a suspected bomb attack on a building in Nairobi on Monday injured three dozen people.
The development led Fifa to put Football Kenya Federation (FKF) under a red alert, instructing them to step up security, according to the association’s technical director Patrick Naggi.
“We have very important security measures to undertake as we prepare to host Malawi since Fifa has warned that in case of any fan trouble, then we will be banned from hosting any international match in Kenya. Fifa’s security committee is also privy of threats from Somali Al Shabaab insurgents and so we have to take necessary precautions to avert any possible threat,” Naggi told www.supersport.com.
A few days ago, the Flames played Zanzibar amid reports of chaos on the island by some Islamic groups. The Kenya security fears have since forced Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda’s office to seek FKF’s assurance.
“Few days ago, the FKF responded with an assurance of maximum security for the Malawi delegation from the airport to the hotel, to training ground and to the venue of the match. FKF has also assured Fifa, CAF and FAM that they will put maximum security at the stadium to avoid crowd misbehaviour,” Nyirenda said on Thursday in a response to a questionnaire.
“We have sent Mr Christopher Mdolo as advance party to discuss with FKF on all the logistics regarding the match and this will, include security measures being taken by our colleagues. So we have a letter from FKF assuring us of maximum security.”
FKF head of security Shadrack Maluki has since told Kenya’s Nation Online that “Fans and Kenyans in general should expect to see security like they have never seen before….we are not taking any chances with this kind of attacks taking place.”
Malawi, who drew 0-0 and 1-1 with Tanzania and Zanzibar respectively in warm-up matches welcome Nigeria next weekend.
“This game [against Zanzibar] has given us better preparations for our matches against Kenya and Nigeria,” Kinnah is quoted as saying in Tanzania’s Daily News.
Meanwhile, Scotland-based Victor Mugubi became the first European-based player to join the Harambee Stars who also expect Norwegian-based goalkeeper Arnold Origi, Patrick Osiako and Patrick Oboya. Skipper Dennis Oliech remains a big doubt.
