Malawi FA unveil new coaches with optimism:Ng’onamo, Mabedi and Mtawali
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) on Tuesday unveiled the Flames caretaker coaching panel at a news conference held at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Malawi’s commercial city of Blantyre.
The panel is headed by Eddington Ng’onamo with South Africa-based duo of Ernest Mtawali and Patrick Mabedi as his deputies whereas Charles Manda is the team manager. Captain Kondwani Kachipanda completes the five-member panel as team doctor.
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu assured the Flames technical panel of their financial commitment for the team despite facing financial challenges.
“Let me assure you that we will try our level best to give you enough resources for camping and friendly matches,” said Nyamilandu.
The coaching panel will be in charge until June this year when FAM is expected to make an official proposal to government for the hiring of a permanent coaching panel.
Nyamilandu said the association is confident that the coaching panel will deliver.
“If we will be satisfied with their performance they will be offered permanent work. We cannot keep on relying on foreign coaches as if that we do not have our own local coaches who can also handle the job professionally, “said Nyamilandu.
He also revealed that FAM is planning to send Mtawali and Mabedi to Germany to undergo a UEFA A License.
In his remarks, Ng’onamo hailed FAM for keeping faith in them and vowed to take the Flames to another level.
“If we fail we are going to be answerable to the nation. We are aware that we have a big task ahead of us but with your support we can do it collectively,” said Ng’onamo, who is still Big Bullets coach, as his agreement with FAM allows him to double his posts.
In his remarks, Flames assistant coach Patrick Mabedi urged the media to work hand in hand with them as they have a great role to play.
Mabedi stressed that the media can make the players perform or fail basing on what they will be reporting.
The former Flames sweeper also emphasized that he accepted to take the mantle because of the passion for the game and the love of his country.
“Let’s us put money second and country first, “said patriotic sounding Mabedi.
On his part, Mtawali pointed out: “I’m very excited about the challenge ahead.”
The coaching panel’s first competitive assignment will be against Namibia’s Brave Warriors in a 2014 World Cup qualifier away in Windhoek.
