RVG has more work to be done
A few weeks ago, Malawi National Football team were booted out of the CHAN competition following a poor showing in the 2-leg tie. But Flames new Coach Ronny Van Geneugden promised to change things ahead of the team’s next assignment against Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
What’s more interesting is the fact that the Belgian tactician made promises of hope to the country’s soccer fraternity without watching any competitive league or cup game where most of the Flames players are picked.
In his remarks soon after the game against Madagascar at Bingu National Stadium, the Flames Coach said he want his teams to be known with quality of play from the back going upfront and even when defending. Ronny said he will pick players based on merit.
Others believed and still believe the Belgian tactician can achieve his wishes but some believe this was just romance meant to entice Malawians while giving them force hopes.
Former Flames international Peterkins Kaira told Nyasa Times during Sunday’s Airtel Top 8 match first leg quarterfinal between reigning TNM super league champions Kamuzu Barracks and Blue Eagles where Ronny was present that the new Coach got more work to do in order to live his dream.
“How can a national team player fail ball control and even failing to pass it. What we are seeing here is the carbon copy of our national team’ performance. Do not expect such players to perform wonders at national team level. All these are basic principles of football which a player is taught at grassroots level,” said Kaira.
Commenting on Flames chances ahead of the game against Comoros, Kaira said Malawians should not expect positive results from a team that has no steam. He said during their playing days, shops were closed as early as 10 o’clock in the morning whenever the flames had games, a development which he believes was the confidence Malawians had for the team.
“We had the full backing of the home fans and this I guess was due to the fact that we were not disappointing them. Shops would close as early as 10 o’clock in the morning only for one to go and cheer the team when playing at let’s say Kamuzu stadium or Civo.
This is no longer the case. I guess this is because of poor results which the team has had of late. You do not expect a dog to give birth to a cat. However, let’s just put our heads up and start rebuilding the foundations because that’s the most important component of a strong national team,” Kaira said.
The new Flames Coach is expected to name his squad very soon in preparation for the Comoros game which Kaira believe comes to early for the Belgian tactician.
