Kamwendo apologises for Kenya result
Malawi Flames captain Joseph Kamwendo has apologised to the nation following Wednesday’s careless 2-2 draw with Kenya in the Group F World Cup first-round qualifier at Kamuzu Stadium.
The draw, coming after a barren tie with Namibia the previous week, compromised heavily the prospect of the Flames advancing to the final two-legged qualifying round for a place at the 2014 World Cup.
“It was not by design that we ended up collecting a point instead of three. We fully understand the fans’ disappointment, hence apologise to them. My only plea is that they must not abandon the team because it is theirs. It is not for us, we just serve the nation on their behalf,” Kamwendo said yesterday.
He issued the apology when The Nation sought his reaction to Nigeria’s 1-1 draw in another match for the group, which will be decided on the first weekend of September when the Flames travel to Lagos.
Like some Malawians, Kamwendo believes the Flames are capable of stunning the African kings at their backyard and sneak through to the final phase. Nigeria lead the group on nine points, two ahead of Malawi where as third-placed Namibia (five points) and bottom-placed Kenya (three points) are out of the running.
“Everyone knows what is required of us in Nigeria, hence there is need for us to plan. As for our demands for increased bonuses, Mr [Walter] Nyamilandu knows our stand.,” Kamwendo explained.
The Flames boycotted morning training session a day before taking on Kenya at the giant arena, forcing FAM to pledge K100 000 for a win in that match.
