Former Flames midfield maestro Robert ‘Baggio’ Ng’ambi has taken the first step in his coaching career by joining the Walter Nyamilandu Academy.
In an interview yesterday, Ng’ambi said he was happy with his progress in the coaching field.
He said: “At first, I did not have such plans as I had some personal projects to pursue, but then the FAM [Football Association of Malawi] president advised me to seriously consider venturing into coaching.
“And there could have been no better stage to take the first step than working with the kids and he offered me a part-time assistant coach role at his academy.
“I am working with Chancy Msema who is the head coach and I am really enjoying it.”
The former Black Leopards and Platinum Stars midfielder said working with youngsters has given him an opportunity to plough back the knowledge he acquired during his playing career.
On his part, Msema said it feels good working with a legend of Ng’ambi’s calibre.
“He is easy to work with, down to earth and has great passion for football.”
The Walter Nyamilandu Academy has contributed six players to the Malawi Under-17 National Football Team currently taking part in the Under-17 Youth Championship which is doubling as Region 5 Games in Maseru, Lesotho.
Said Nsema: “We are proud that the project is now bearing fruits and the striker Madalitso Mwachumu, who scored the first goal against Botswana, is our product.”
He said the others include defender Happy Mphepo and midfielder Blessings Kanowa.
Said Msema: “These players play for community teams in their partnership, but are involved in the academy to sharpen their skills.
“But having had a successful pilot phase, we now intend to join the youth league next year and we hope that by so doing, we will be able to scout more talent
“The ultimate goal is to start exporting these youngsters abroad when they are ripe.”
He said currently the academy has 60 players; 20 each at Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 levels.
