No pressure, says flames coach
Malawi’s Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo has said he is not in a cold sweat going into their [interim coaching panel] last game against Kenya’s Harambee Stars on Wednesday which will determine their future.
The coaching panel, which includes assistant coaches Patrick Mabedi and Ernest Mtawali, was hired to take charge of three 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Namibia [twice] and Kenya.
“I am not under pressure. My focus is on guiding the team to win the match on Wednesday so that we keep our qualification hopes alive.
“We are determined to do well and take the qualification battle with Nigeria right to the wire,” said Ng’onamo at the weekend.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said the Kenya game is important to everyone involved.
“It is a crucial game for the coaches, players, us as an association, the fans and the nation in general.
“As for the coaches, it will play a big role in determining their fate because it will be a decider, but at the same time, we would not want to put them under pressure,” said Nyamilandu.
The FAM boss admitted that the Flames missed an opportunity to remain joint top with the Super Eagles after being held to a goalless draw by Namibia.
“We were in a good position to collect maximum points, but the draw makes our life harder now because we must win the remaining games [against Kenya and Nigeria].
“Nevertheless, all is not lost. The solace is that we are still in contention,” he said.
During the coaching panel’s unveiling in March this year, Nyamilandu said they would be assessed during the time that they would be in charge.
“Suffice to say, they are on probation where upon a decision will be made, based on their performance, on whether to offer them permanent contracts,” Nyamilandu then said.
