National Sports

Kinnah differs with Jack on rebuilding strategy

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has trashed the suggestion by his technical adviser Jack Chamangwana that there is need to replace players who are lacking commitment with new blood.

Chamangwana on Friday questioned some players’ commitment and accused them of contributing to the problem of the team’s recent poor showing.

“We need new players and a new team. We have to assess the players and decide who should stay or go. Most of the players show no commitment to national duties, they are letting the coaches down,” said Chamangwana.

But Kinnah was not amused by Chamangwana’s comments and has described them as unfortunate.

“The solution is not to get rid of the players. If we remove the players, where are we going to get the replacements?

“In fact, if that is what he [Jack] is saying, then it means he is also failing in his duties because he is supposed to groom talent for the senior national team.

“If his suggestion is that the team should be dissolved, then let him give us the players,” said Kinnah.

However, Chamangwana said the statement was based on his opinion as a tactician.

Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana last week said the future of the Flames coaching panel, after the poor showing at the recent Cecafa tournament in Kampala, Uganda, would be determined by a meeting between FAM and Sports Council.

While confirming Chihana’s stand on the matter, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said they are planning to meet Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to jointly review the Flames set-up

“It will have to be a joint decision because Malawi Government is a key partner, being the sponsor in the employment of the senior technical officials of the national team.

“That is why it is important for us not to make a decision in isolation,” said Nyamilandu.

Nyamilandu also said while they are addressing the technical panel, the issue of preparations and players’ welfare will also be looked into.

“So, round-table discussions will be crucial in mapping the way forward,” he said.

Apart from Kinnah and Chamangwana, the other senior Flames technical panel member is assistant coach Young Chimodzi. Recently, FAM also had to deal with a working relationship problem between Kinnah and Chimodzi whereby Kinnah was alleged to have complained that Chimodzi was sabotaging his employment.

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