World Cup qualification offers Flames K840 million
It sounds like a far-fetched dream, but should the Flames defy the odds and qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, they stand to reap huge benefits that include earning about $2 million (about K840 million).
According to Fifa website, each association whose team will qualify for the World Cup finals will be given that money for preparations.
Currently, the Flames and African champions Nigeria jointly top Group F of the qualifiers with five points each.
The challenge for the Flames is now to stay there and that requires even twice the effort that they have been putting on their way to the final round.
Should they finish the group at the summit, there will be one more hurdle to clear as they will be drawn against one of the teams that will make it into the last round to battle for one of the five slots.
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said while qualification for the global showcase appears within touching distance, the Flames will have to sweat blood to realise that dream.
“Should we qualify, we will become instant millionaires, but the focus now should be the remaining games against Namibia, Kenya and Nigeria which I think will determine our date with destiny to reach the final qualification round,” said Nyamilandu.
He said the association will do its best to give the team the necessary support.
But can Flames really do it?
Captain Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo said with proper planning, the Flames can defy the odds and reach the promised land.
“I only hope that all the stakeholders starting with us players, the technical staff, FAM, government, the corporate world and indeed every Malawian will support our cause because you do not expect to qualify for a big tournament such as the World Cup on a silver platter, but we are determined,” said Kamwendo.
He added: “Our focus should be to clear the hurdle at hand. We know that if we can give 100 percent effort we can spring a surprise and that is what makes football an interesting game because anything can happen.”
His views were shared by his predecessor Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda who said nothing is impossible.
“If we have the will and commitment and if we can plan properly there is nothing that can stop us from qualifying,” said Mponda who inspired the Flames to qualify for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
Soccer analyst and former FAM chief executive officer Charles Nyirenda said: “If Flames are to realise such a dream, they should do what Bayern Munich did to Barcelona.
“The battle is far from over and you cannot be asking for lunch before you are done with breakfast. At this point, it is critical for the Flames to plan to detail for their opponents.
“What is important is execution of game plan because you can play as many friendlies, but if you do not plan on your opponent, it becomes useless.”
