Nyirenda, Kafwafwa and Kamzere
Five former Flames players are part of a field of over 50 coaches undergoing the C-Licence coaching course organised by the Southern Region Football Coaches Committee (SRFCC) in Blantyre.
Peter Mponda, who captained the Flames to their first Afcon qualification in 26 years, his central defence mesh James Sangala, goalkeeper Swadick Sanudi, former Europe-based towering defender Clement Kafwafwa and another former goaltender Vales Kamzere are among those attending the 10-day course at Saint Andrew’s International High School.
Mponda, Sangala and Sanudi were part of the squad that took part in the actual African showpiece in Angola while Kafwafwa and Kamzere were part of the campaign in the early qualification phase, but did not make the final squad.
“Every journey starts with a single step and it feels good to team up with the guys here as we start a new chapter in our careers,” said Mponda, who recently attended an English FA Level One coaching course in England.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said it is encouraging to see such a high number of participants.
He thanked Saint Andrew’s International High School for providing the venue and facilities and SRFCC for organising the course. But he had a word of caution for the coaches, saying it is high time they desisted from maliciousness.
“One of the factors that have affected the progress of our coaches is malice. You go behind each other’s back and speak bad with evil intent, I urge you to unite for the good of the game,” said Nyirenda.
He advised the coaches to aim high.
“One of the reasons expatriate coaches find their way here is because African coaches do not love one another and believe in pull him or her down (‘PHD’) syndrome. You might have heard that CAF is intending to set A Licence as the minimum qualification for national team coaches. I urge you to go that further so that the focus when hiring national team coach should be on locals other than expatriates,” he said
The FAM CEO also appealed for patience among coaches and not to rush into the thick of things.
“Everything has its own time and I would urge you to be patient and go through the ropes. This job is also result-oriented and you need to keep your focus.”
SRFCC chairperson Lloyd Nkhwazi said they organised the course because there was an overwhelming demand and the fact that it has attracted participants from other regions, was enough evidence of hunger for coaching skills..
“I would like to thank FAM for releasing their technical officials, in particular the technical director John Kaputa, development officer Charles Manda and referees development officer Maxwell Mtonga to conduct this course with the help of Stuart Mbolembole,” said Nkhwazi.
He also recognised the presence of TNM marketing head Sobhuza Ngwenya and appreciated support from various sponsors such as Robin’s Park, OM Cosmetics and Owen Chomanika director of Chikhwawa United.
In his brief remarks Ngwenya said: “As TNM, we sponsor the Super League and for the game to improve and provide the necessary entertainment, we need quality coaches because you are the ones who drill the people that entertain us.”
Other notable former soccer stars attending the course include Ojukwu Malunga, Elia Kananji, Simeon Kapuza, Joseph Gatros, Fundi Akidu, Kondwani Gawani, Clement Mandala, Mike Banda, Safalao Pompi, Lawrence Mnenula and Allan Chikafa.
Retired assistant referee Moffat Champiti is also attending the course.
