Mponda off to England
Former Flames on-field leader Peter Mponda is set to take a step further in his coaching career having left for England yesterday to attend a two-week Level One course at Warwickshire College organised by the English Football Association (FA).
Mponda has been sponsored by Surestream Academy where he works as a technical director and head coach for their Under-17 team. The course is expected to run from November 10-24.
Speaking before departure, Mponda, who captained the Flames for seven years, said: “It is a privilege for me as the course will not only benefit Surestream Academy but Malawi football as well; and through the knowledge that I will acquire, I will impart it to up-and-coming footballers.
“There is need for us as a country to focus on youth development which is vital if we are to make strides in the game. This will be a continuation of the FAM C-licence preparatory course that I attended,” said Mponda.
Asked whether he harbours ambitions to coach Flames someday, Mponda said: “As at now, my focus is on Surestream but, yes, should there be need in future, I would love to take up the challenge. But I need to go through the ropes because I am still in the early stages, I am not in a hurry.”
During his stay in the UK, Mponda is also expected to undergo a check-up on his knee to determine whether he has fully recovered.
Mponda thanked directors and management of Surestream Academy, in particular, Pitman and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu for the role they have played to ensure that he realises his dream of becoming a coach.
