Minister says Namibia game litmus test for coaches

Youth Development and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana has said the Flames’ caretaker coaching panel will get a litmus test in Wednesday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Namibia’s Brave Warriors.

Chihana said the game will determine as to whether the win in Windhoek in March was not by sheer fluke.

“This is a very crucial game because it could determine our date with destiny, but at the same time, it will also provide an opportunity to the coaches that the [1-0] in Namibia was not a fluke,” said Chihana.

He also appealed to the players to give out something extra for the cause of their motherland.

“We cannot afford the luxury of dropping points in the coming home games if we are to boost our chances of qualifying for the final phase of qualification because just one slip could prove fatal.

“But having said that, on behalf of government and sports-loving Malawians, I would like to wish the team all the best and assure them of our total support. I urge them not to panic, but give out their best,” said Chihana.

The Sports Minister, however, could not be drawn to comment on whether there are any extra incentives in a bid to motivate the players.

“The issue of incentives is the responsibility of FAM, we just provide the resources as per request. So, I cannot say whether there will be any incentives at this stage.

“Suffice to say that we’ll consider that if they win on Wednesday,” said Chihana.

Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo said they are looking beyond tomorrow’s game.

“Our wish is to qualify for the next phase, but to achieve that, we need to win the forthcoming matches starting with Namibia,” said Ng’onamo.