‘No thanks!’

Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who contribute the bulk of local-based players to the Flames, have said they cannot adopt coach Mario Marinica’s philosophy because they have their own.

After being appointed as Flames coach by the Football Association of Malawi in April this year, the Flames gaffer said he would implement his ‘Fast and Very Fast’ football philosophy through the elite clubs.

And when asked on Thursday the progress made so far, the Romanian said: “So far, we have just engaged a few clubs and  they are slowly understanding the playing to space and not feet principle for example.

“Then there is the forward passes difference between passing to 1-2 inches in front or 2-3 metres of the feet and booting the ball forward, that was mostly misinterpreted [by some quarters].”

But Marinica could not be drawn to name the few clubs that he has engaged.

However, in separate interviews yesterday, Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga and the Nomads new technical director (TD) Mark Harrison said they will not adopt the Flames coach’s philosophy.

Said Chigoga: “To begin with, it is unheard of to expect all teams to adopt same tactical philosophy or same style of play in my view.

“Coaches have their own philosophies. Players stay with national teams for a few days and spend most of the time with their respective teams. How then would it be possible for teams to adopt the philosophy of a national team coach and expect no tactical adaptation issues?

“My personal view is that teams should be allowed to play according to their coach’s philosophy while the national team should also play differently.”

He further said what is needed is for the national team coach to select players he thinks would adapt quickly to his style of play.

On his part, Harrison, though diplomatic, also snubbed Marinica.

He said: “No, we can’t adopt his philosophy. Each club has its own DNA, vision and style.

“The head coach [Alex Ngwira], assistant coach [Albert Mpinganjira] and myself met the national coach a couple of days ago and discussed the national team philosophy.

“It was an interesting meeting, but he has his own vision and plans so do we, but some of his ideas and ours match.

“So, what I can say is that we are in an open working relationship. We want to help him as much as we can, but we also have to be mindful about our vision.”

On his part, football analyst Charles Nyirenda said: “In fact I find it crazy that a national coach, without conducting meaningful discussions with local coaches and the football fraternity in general, should commence introducing a so-called ‘Fast and Very Fast’ football philosophy which, in essence, is nothing more than kick-and-run like-hell soccer.

“We’ve seen what that means. Players get tired and have confided to some of us that they are not interested in that approach.

“We don’t need the type of football where players become robots devoid of thinking.”

At the start of the CAF B coaching licence course, FAM TD Benjamin Kumwenda, who replaced Marinica, said the ‘Fast and Very Fast’ philosophy would be incorporated as a national philosophy.

He said: “Mario’s philosophy has some pillars which all coaches in the country must follow. The coaches must be in line with the principles in this philosophy.”

Kumwenda justified the incorporation of the philosophy in the syllabus, saying coaches needed to get acquainted with it at their clubs.

Marinica’s philosophy has attracted criticism from some quarters within the football fraternity who argue that players are struggling to adapt.

But responding to the criticism in July this year, the Flames coach said: “People are free to criticise and voice out their opinions.”