Flames coach hiring underway

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has started the process of hiring a Flames coach with the assessment of immediate-past coach Patrick ‘General’ Mabedi whose temporary tenure expired.

The association faces a race against time to have a coach in place ahead of the 2026 opening World Cup qualifiers in November when Malawi are scheduled to face  Liberia and Tunisia.

The association’s general secretary Alfred Gunda in an interview said: “We said there would be a process and we are following that process. Thereafter, we’ll make recommendations.

“But as planned, the first step is to assess Mabedi before we can cast the net wider.”

Last month, Gunda said over 50 coaches had applied for the job which fell vacant following the removal of Romanian Mario Marinica.

The odds appear to favour the former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach as FAM said he would be their first option.

Soon after the Flames’ last 2023 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier against Guinea earlier this month, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said they would fast-track the recruitment process to give the coach ample time to prepare the team.

“We don’t have much time left. We will be wrapping our minds [around the issue] soon and we will communicate by the end of the month [September].” he said.

But with barely three days before the end of the month, it appears the process could take a bit longer.

In an interview yesterday, Football pundit Kevin Moyo said it appears certain that FAM will settle for Mabedi.

“If their plan was to cast their net wider, then a lot should have happened by now as the process involves short-listing and interviews among others and it takes time,” he said.

Nyamilandu also appeared to be throwing his weight behind Mabedi when he said that personally, he was impressed with his performance during his seven games he was in charge.

He said: “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.”

Under Mabedi’s tutelage, the Flames did not lose in open play in eight  matches, but they only won three and drew the rest.

Malawi also reached the last four at the Cosafa Cup for the first time in 20 years.