Sherry sparks Flames coaches debate
Former Players Association of Malawi interim general secretary Sherry Msuku has blasted domestic football authorities for creating an impression that there are no coaches capable of mentoring national teams, including the Flames.
“Such claims are unfair as there are many up-and-coming coaches such as Frank Ndawa and Charles Manda. The authorities prefer the very same veterans instead of creating healthy competition,” said Msuku.
The former Flames midfielder delved into the coaches’ subject on his free will when asked last week about the struggles of domestic league strikers.
Msuku said he was reacting to talk in some quarters that incumbent Flames coach Kinnah Phiri is the only best available trainer on the domestic scene.
While agreeing with Msuku’s observation, Big Bullets veteran striker Heston Munthali insisted that as long as the Flames are subjected to shoddy preparations, results will never improve.
“There are other good coaches such as Gerald Phiri and Eddington Ng’onamo, but it is not easy. Elsewhere, coaches have at their disposal quality footballers playing at the highest level, but, in Malawi, a coach has to start from basics,” argued the ex-Hardware Stars, Telecom Wanderers and Escom United midfielder.
According to FAM, there is an increase of highly trained coaches locally. At the 2011 annual general meeting in Salima, FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda pegged the figure at over 40.
But Super League of Malawi (Sulom) general secretary Williams Banda cited lack of functioning structures in the coaches’ hierarchy to monitor their development and that of players.
Save for Kinnah, no local was since 2000 hired on full-time basis. Yasin Osman, Alex Masanjala and Dave Mpesi served as caretakers. John Maduka and Mabedi, who once understudied Kinnah, have never hidden their desire to coach Flames.
Football administrator Lingson Maliwa urged FAM to make the most of qualified ex-internationals such as Lawrence Waya, Meke Mwase, Peterkins Kayira, Stain Chirwa, Lovemore Fazili and Aubrey Nankhuni.
“I believe we can have better Flames because, tactically, they are good. Their game approach is positive and they listen to criticism,” said Maliwa.
