Flames legends Young Chimodzi and Jack ‘Africa’ Chamangwana are set to renew their romance with the Flames having been appointed head coach and deputy coach respectively by FAM executive committee.
The decision was made during Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive committee meeting held in Blantyre on Saturday. Franco Ndawa was named team manager while Phillip Nyasulu was appointed goalkeeper trainer.
While confirming that the executive had indeed endorsed proposals for the Flames coaching panel, FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda could not be drawn to confirm the names.
“Suffice to say the executive committee endorsed a number of short-listed candidates who will only be unveiled upon briefing government who are responsible for paying the coaches.
“So, bear with us, we will not divulge much information until we discuss the issue with government. However, I can confirm that local coaches have been identified,” said Nyirenda.
Chimodzi and Chamangwana’s appointments come a year after they were fired from the Kinnah Phiri-led panel due to what FAM described as poor performance and government redeployed them to Malawi National Council of Sports as regional football development officers.
A well-placed source said initially, Chimodzi and Chamangwana had been recommended for the post of coach while former assistant coaches Ernest Mtawali and Patrick Mabedi were recommended for the deputy coach post.
“But the meeting felt considering Chimodzi and Chamangwana’s sound relationship, coupled with their experience and that they were already under government set-up, it would be better to have one of them as head coach and the other as deputy.
“And since Chimodzi has never had an opportunity to be in full charge of the Flames, it was decided that he should be the head coach,” said the source.
Both Chimodzi and Chamangwana yesterday said they were not aware of the development.
Said Chimodzi: “It is difficult for me to comment because I have not been told anything.”
Asked if he would be ready to take up the task should the communication come through, the former Flames assistant coach and captain said: “It is an issue that would require thorough discussions.”
On his part, Chamangwana said: “Honestly, it is news to me. Let us wait and see what will come up.” he said.
Principal secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Justin Saidi said government would have no problems if Chimodzi and Chamangwana will be taken back on board by FAM.
“The thing is we redeployed them after they were removed from the Flames panel by FAM, but if in their [FAM] wisdom would want to retain them, then there would be no problem since they will still be within the football set-up.
“It will just be a matter of working on the logistics. As it is now, we’ll wait to hear from FAM,” said Saidi.
