Ng’onamo mourned

Football Association of Mal awi (FAM) ha s described the death of its former technical director (TD) Eddington Ng’onamo as a big loss to the nation.

The former Flames coach, 63, who was diabetic, was discovered dead in his house in Chileka, Blantyre yesterday after complaining that he was not feeling well, according to his brother George.

FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda yesterday said they learnt with sadness the passing on of Ng’onamo, who until his death, was Confederation of African Football (CAF) coaches’ instructor.

“FAM and the ent i r e football fraternity in the country is extending heartfelt” he said.condolences to the Ng’onamo family,

Gunda said Ng’onamo will be remembered for his contribution towards uplifting the coaching profession.

He said: “Mr. Ng’onamo’s services to Malawi football as a coach and a coaches’ instructor cannot be overemphasised.

“Actually, he was the first local technical director from 2006 to 2008.

“Before him, FAM used to employ expatriates. As TD, he will be fondly remembered for setting up the structures.

“He was also twice caretaker coach for the Malawi National Football Team in 2003 and 2012.

“He was also part of the team that developed the CAF B coaching licence manual and was one of the instructors for the group that underwent the course last year.”

National Football Coaches Association chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni, who was coached by Ng’onamo at the now defunct Escom United, said they have lost a father figure.

He said: “You cannot talk about Malawi football without mentioning Ng’onamo.

“He coached many of us and also trained us as coaches.

“As an association, he was also our adviser. We would often seek his input on issues about the coaching profession.”

A Uefa A licence holder, Ng’onamo was trained in Germany, Denmark and England.

His career at club level took him to Civil Service United (Civo), Escom United, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wakawaka Tigers.

At national level, Ng’onamo was in charge of the Flames from 2003-2004 as caretaker coach after replacing Allan Gillet.

He was an assistant coach when the Flames twice qualified for the Cosafa Castle Cup in 2002 and the following year.

Ngónamo later bounced back between 2012 and 2013 as caretaker coach again after head coach Kinnah Phiri was fired.

He was succeeded by Thom Saintfiet who worked as a volunteer before Young Chimodzi took charge.

His last coaching job was with Wanderers where he was relieved of his duties and was replaced by Alex Ngwira last season.

Ngónamo, who is survived by a wife and children, will be laid to rest on Saturday at his home village near Madisi Secondary School in Dowa District.