Foreign-based Malawian coaches snub Flames job
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has revealed that none of the foreign-based Malawian coaches has applied for the Flames job.
The closing date for receiving applications was Tuesday July 21 and according to FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, five locals and 32 foreigners have applied.
Former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri, former caretaker assistant coach Patrick Mabedi, former Flames captain John Maduka (all based in South Africa) and ex technical development officer Charles Manda are the notable Malawian coaches based abroad who have not applied for the job.
“I can confirm that by closing date on Tuesday, we had 37 applications; five of them from local coaches while the rest are foreigners.
“Surprisingly, none of our foreign-based coaches applied for the job,” said Nyirenda.
He also reiterated that he is not at liberty to disclose names of the applicants until the short-listing process is finalised.
“The short-listing process is currently underway with the help of the TD [technical director John Kaputa] and after we are through, we will submit the names to our technical subcommittee and then the executive committee for its perusal at its Saturday meeting.
“It is at this meeting where a determination on the way forward, such as dates for interviews, will be made,” said Nyirenda.
Kinnah, who is head coach for Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Free State Stars, yesterday said he saw no reason to apply because FAM are already aware of his capabilities.
“Why should I apply? I am not a foreigner and FAM have my CV [curriculum vitae]. If anything it is just a matter of inviting me to come,” said Kinnah who guided the Flames to their second Africa Cup of Nations qualification in 2010.
The Flames job fell vacant following the sacking of head coach Young Chimodzi and his deputy Jack Chamangwana due to the team’s poor start in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe last month.
FAM appointed Ernest Mtawali on an interim basis specifically for the match against Uganda Cranes which was part of the country’s Independence Anniversary celebrations on July 6. The Flames won the match 1-0. Mtawali is reported to be one of the applicants.
