Ex-Flames star condemns Malawi players for publicly criticising coach Mtawali

Former Silver Strikers and Flames international midfielder Heillings Mwakasungula has condemened the behaviour of some current Flames senior players for publicly criticising the national team caretaker coach Ernest Mtawali.

This follows reports aired on MIJ FM radio that about five players have openly said Mtawali is not the right candidate to take over the coaching job at Flames.

“It is very disappointing to hear such reports and you don’t expect a national team player openly complaining about the coach,” said Mwakasungula.

“Always as senior players, you are always behind the coach and if there are issues, you can sit down and talk to the coach directly rather than complaining through the media,” he added.

The former midfield workhorse who once played in South Africa before he was roped into Silver Strikers technical panel after retiring believes those players complaining are being coaxed by some overzealous people.

Among the reasons the alleged players are against Mtawali because he gives them little time for ball work than physical training and that he talks to players in a bad manner.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is expected to appoint a new coach by 1st August, 2015.

This follows the firing of head coach Young Chimodzi and his assistant Jack Chamangwana last month after the Flames lost the opening match of 2017 African Cup of Nations and 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe 1-0 at the Kamuzu Stadium.