Flames failure is multifaceted, says minister
In an interview this week, Chihana said even Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola cannot change the fortunes of the national football team if he is employed now.
According to Chihana, lack of adequate friendly games, inadequate camping time and lack of player motivation are some of the key problems that have hindered the success of the Flames.
“The coach (Kinnah) has tried his best, but he was not given enough resources to work according to his plans. With [little] resources that Kinnah has, even good coaches like Pep Guardiola cannot transform the fortunes of the Flames,” said Chihana.
He said government will work towards finding permanent sponsorship for the Flames so that even if there is no competition, the team can still regroup and play international football on a regular basis.
He, however, said he is yet to formulate a plan on how to achieve his goals.
The Flames will soon be hosting Chad in the African Nations Cup qualifying campaign and Chihana said the new government will give the Flames all the support it can.
Chihana could not, however, commit himself on the increment of stakes in the Presidential Initiative on Sports.
“I have first to review the whole package and see why there has not been any since inception. Once I establish the reasons, it is when we can decide as a ministry,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said recently that his association has embarked on a segmented market approach for the Flames.
The Flames, unlike neighbouring countries, have not been able to play strength-testing matches because of lack of funds.
