Marinica says taking up Flames job was a gamble
Embattled Malawi national football team coach Mario Marinica has admitted that giving up the technical director (TD) post was a gamble.
However, he says it was the best decision in the implementation of his philosophy from top to bottom.
The Romanian gave up his three-year contract as TD to replace Meck Mwase on a year-long contract.
He said he is aware that his job could have been safe as TD.
Marinica said: “It was not an easy decision to take. Maybe a gamble on implementing ‘fast and very fast” from top down and setting up a line, even though we are not quite ready.”
But he pointed out that though he would have been safe as TD, implementing his philosophy would have been a challenge.
He said: “Malawians may not be patient to wait for three years.”
The Romanian also noted that the skill gap among coaches would have been a challenge to implement his philosophy as TD.
He said: “There is a massive skill gap in the coaches industry.
“Not easy to cover thousands of coaches from grass roots level up. Also think of the financial implications.
“Thus, by having the national team as template it is much easier to follow.”
As Flames coach, Marinica was given three targets by FAM—to win the Cosafa Cup, qualify for 2023 African Nations Championship (Chan) and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
The Flames were booted out in the group stages of the Cosafa Cup following a win, a draw and a loss.
They have sailed through to the second round of Chan following Zimbabwe’s ban from the tournament by Fifa and will meet either Zambia or Mozambique.
After watching the two teams sail through to the Cosafa Cup semi-finals, Marinica said the Flames need to be prepared for a tough Chan second round.
He said: “Both teams seem to be solid and have a lot of experienced players.
“As it stands I am following both teams and tracking their progress.”
The coach, who will return to Malawi at the end of the tournament, said he is yet to draw up the Flames’ programme for Chan qualifiers preparations.
Marinica said: “Everything will depend on TNM Super League fixtures arrangement then we should see about FAM’s available budget.”
Meanwhile, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said he is confident that government will provide funds for the competition.
He said: “The matter is in the hands of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Our presentation to the minster was warmly received and we are hoping for the best.
“The pressure on the budget should reduce now that Afcon has been postponed to 2024. Most likely the Afcon games in September against Egypt will be postponed to next year.” Malawi has three points in their group after beating Ethiopia 2-1 and losing to Guinea 1-0.
