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U-20 coaches’ tenure ends

Flashback: Chawanangwa Kawonga (R) beats a Botswana goalkeeper
Flashback: Chawanangwa Kawonga (R) beats a Botswana goalkeeper

Ernest Mtawali and Gerald Phiri’s coaching flirtations with the Malawi Under-20 national team have ended following the team’s exit from the Africa Youth Championship qualifiers, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu has confirmed.

“They would not be required for now. Their assignment has been completed. If Cosafa Under-20 is confirmed—we can always make plans; otherwise, Cosafa is still looking for sponsorship. We are talking about things which are confirmed,” explained Nyamilandu on Monday.

“We are focusing on the Under-17’s participation in Zone XI so that they can graduate into Under-20 next year. The current players have to graduate into the senior team and participate in Olympic qualifiers [for Under-23s].”

Going forward, Nyamilandu said technical director John Kaputa will be monitoring the Under-20 players at their respective clubs based on his database. The Junior Flames lost 1-0 in Zambia on Saturday and crashed out of the race for Senegal finals 3-1 on aggregate.

Mtawali was yesterday unwilling to comment on his job. He, nonetheless, recommended defenders Boston Kabango, Stanley Sanudi; midfielders Dalitso Sailesi, Isaac Kaliyati, and goalkeeper Brighton Munthali to the Flames, “gradually they can make it, but that is up to the coaches’ decision.”

Flames coach Young Chimodzi yesterday said Junior Flames’ stand-out players will be looked at, but only after the September 6 2014 Africa Cup of Nations group qualifying game in Mali. A few months ago, Mtawali was unwilling to release the players to the senior team.

Separately, Munthali said they had learnt a lot during the international games and now the focus was on his Surestream Academy career. He led the Junior Flames to three wins, two draws and two losses.

“It has been a learning curve. It’s not the end of the world. I have a couple of offers from Zanaco who have promised to invite me and there is also Silver Strikers, but I am undecided. For now, I will focus on Surestream,” said Munthali who let in six goals in seven games.

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