‘Lule’ offers to drill strikers
Appalled by Malawi national football team strikers’ horrible scoring record, former Flames net-buster Lawrence ‘Lule’ Waya has volunteered to drill the misfiring forwards ahead of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Morocco and Cameroon in September.
While others are criticising without offering a solution, the Nyasa Big Bullets legend has asked Football Association (FAM) of Malawi to give him a chance to help the Flames.
Said Waya: “All I need is time and I am sure [in the end], the strikers will agree that they needed what I will give them. They don’t have to pay for my services. I am volunteering.”
Waya, who is third on Malawi’s most capped players list and joint second to Kinnah Phiri on all-time leading scorers list (alongside Frank Sinalo) with 27 goals in 126 caps, observed that just like the other departments, strikers also need specialised training.
“They have goalkeeper coach, this time Malawi needs strikers coach,” he said.
Waya’s stance comes after the Flames were booted out of the Cosafa Cup in group stages for the third consecutive time.
Malawi anchored Group B just like last year’s when RVG’s team also lost one game and drew twice and failed to score.
The only difference this time is that the Flames managed a goal, albeit from left back Precious Sambani.
This meant Malawian strikers have failed to score in two consecutive tournaments.
Coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) has acknowledged that despite his team playing good football and creating scoring opportunities, finishing is his biggest headache since the team lacks the cutting edge.
Flames coach has since welcomed the offer, saying he has respect for Waya and was already considering inviting him for a chat on the strikers’ crisis.
He said: “According to my personal research Russell Mwafulirwa, Esau Kanyenda and Lule are the former national team strikers who will be invited for personal meeting and chat with me, At least one or two will be considered [to drill the team] for some days to give a chance to the current strikers to learn from them. The team is playing well creating great chances only finishing is a problem.”
Meanwhile, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu also welcomed Waya’s offer, saying: “That’s good to hear.”
