Officials take FAM to task over loss

Some football officials have taken FAM to task, saying it is to blame for the Flames poor results culminating in the failure to make it into the last phase of the 2014 World Cup qualification phase.

The Flames were booted out following the 2-0 loss to Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Saturday.

However, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamuilandu said the odds were heavily stacked against the Flames having drawn two home games against Namibia’s Brave Warriors and Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

Outspoken players’ agent Kondi Msungama and Big Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire said FAM must take the blame for the loss.

Said Msungama: “Now that the World Cup dream is up in smoke, FAM should come out and explain how expatriate coach Tom

Saintfiet was hired because it all happened in a flash.

“Here was a man who promised us the moon, but turned out to be a mere pipe dream. We need to know who brought him here, what was the basis of hiring him.”

Msungama claimed that a clear explanation on the part of FAM, in particular Nyamilandu, would clear the air of uncertainty that surrounded the Belgian’s hiring.

“We know it is the prerogative of FAM to hire and fire coaches, but there are some unanswered questions,” he said.

Msungama also appealed to FAM leadership to be able to listen to advice.

“In the past couple of years, we did well because we had a listening association and that is why we qualified for 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and then failed to qualify for the subsequent tournament by a whisker, but with due respect, I believe the association has terribly lost its way,” he said.

Mkandawire called on Nyamilandu and the entire FAM leadership and management to step down.

“FAM has lost sense of direction and, with due respect, to the president [Nyamilandu] I think it would do him good if he bowed out with his integrity intact other than wait for the situation to further worsen.

“Our national team is now stagnant and we cannot keep on changing coaches like clothes, it clearly shows that we have lost direction,” he said.

However, Nyamilandu appealed for sober approach to issues.

“Even big teams such as Tunisia and Zambia have failed to qualify. Our exit does not mean that we gave a poor show. To the contrary, we bowed out against African champions and people need to give us credit as well.

“I do not think the comments are fair, but they are entitled to their opinion,” said Nyamilandu.

He also defended the hiring of Saintfiet, saying all the necessary procedures were followed.

“After the games against Namibia and Kenya, it was noted that tactically we were found wanting and, at that time, Saintfiet had already offered his services for free. This issue was discussed at executive level and when it was endorsed, it was taken to Sports Council,” said Nyamilandu.