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FLAMES, CRANES CLASH TODAY

There can be no better stage to audition for Flames’ coaching job than in front of President Peter Mutharika and ultimate employer, Sports and Youth Development Minister Grace Chiumia.

Such is an opportunity which interim coach Ernest Mtawali and his backroom staff have when the Flames host the Cranes of Uganda today in an Independence Anniversary Celebrations match at Kamuzu Stadium.

Is part of the squad for today’s game: John CJ Banda
Is part of the squad for today’s game: John CJ Banda

As per tradition, Mutharika is expected to watch part of the match as Mtawali seeks to impress and banish sour memories of last month’s 2-1 loss to Zimbabwe at the giant arena.

The loss to the Warriors cost Young Chimodzi the Flames coaching job. If Chimodzi were still in charge, players such as Sankhani Mkandawire and Chiukepo Msowoya, interim coach Mtawali and interim team manager Chancy Gondwe would probably have not been part of the Flames.

Therefore, winning is not negotiable today. A loss today would hasten calls for the hiring of an expatriate coach. So, the added significance of the game is that coaches and players are fighting for their careers.

“We have been in football for a long time, so it’s not about impressing. We are just determined to give the nation a reason to smile. All players who were with their respective clubs are back, and there are no injuries,” Gondwe insisted yesterday.

Sweeper Mkandawire, who was ignored by the previous coaches, has noted something special in Mtawali’s coaching methods. Mkandawire could start in defence with Msowoya, who netted seven in 12 league appearances, leading the frontline.

“He [Mtawali] is frank to all players and there are no special treatment. He openly tells each player aspects of play that needs improvement. And training is not about 11 versus 11 every day, but small-sided games. He is clear on how he wants the team to play,” Mkandawire said.

History, home backing and experience favours the Flames when hosting the Cranes. The two teams huffed and puffed to barren draw last July in a warm-up match played in Kampala.

Since independence, the two teams have met in all competitions 25 times with the Flames winning 13, losing seven and drawing five.

So, Flames have an upper hand? Only on paper.

The Flames should bear in mind they are up against a top notch tactician in Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic who is capable of stunning the hosts.

“We are taking a completely U-23 team for the friendly against Malawi on 6th July, 2015 and prepare for the game against Egypt on 18th July. The game will also help the U-23 players to assess their fitness levels before the next competitive fixture,” Micho said to Uganda’s Observer newspaper.

The well-travelled Serbian has drafted in the team Tadeo Lwanga and Umar Kasumba in the predominantly Under-23 squad that hosted Tanzania on Saturday in an African Nations Championship (Chan) match.

The Ugandans travel to Egypt after the Malawi match on July 18 for CAF Under-23 assignment. n

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