FAM to speed up Coach’s hiring
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it will fasttrack the recruitment the next Flames coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers which start in November.
This follows the expiry of interim coach Patrick Mabedi’s five-month deal on Saturday after the Malawi-Guinea Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said in an interview yesterday that they hope to have a coach in place in two weeks’ time.
“We don’t have much time left. We will be wrapping our minds[around the issue] soon and we’ll communicate by the end of the month,” he said.
On Mabedi’s chances of being offered a long-term deal, Nyamilandu said: “Personally, I am impressed. He has built a new squad and turned around the performance of the Flames within a short period.
“We are playing with more flair and purpose than before. There is more satisfaction from everybody than doom and gloom.
“It is only right and proper to give credit where it is due.”
Recently, FAM said at least 50 coaches had applied for the Flames job, but they would first assess Mabedi.
However, football pundit Kevin Moyo said FAM needs to exercise caution in assessing Mabedi.
He said: “The decision on whether to engage him on permanent basis or not should be dependent on our objectives as a nation going forward.
“If our aim is to build a new squad to be ready to compete in the next two years, then the Mabedi project should continue.
“But if our plans are to compete and qualify for the next Afcon and even win the Cosafa Cup, then I don’t think he is the right candidate based on the results of the two Afcon qualifiers he was in charge of in which we got two points out of a possible six which is below average for a nation intent on making a mark on the continent.”
Under Mabedi’s tutelage, the Flames did not lose a match in open play in eight matches, but they won only three and drew the others.
Malawi also reached the last four at the Cosafa Cup for the first time in 20 years.
The coach could not be reached for comment on how he rates his chances, but during a post-match press conference after Saturday’s last 2023 Afcon qualifier, which ended two-all, he said the rebuilding project is still ongoing.
He said: “We still need to work on all departments. It is a completely new team and I am impressed. I think they have done well and continuity is very important and with time, they will get stronger.”
