I will step down as Malawi coach-Kinnah
Kinnah Phiri has revealed his plans to step down as Malawi national team coach after his contract expires in June next year in order to pave way for other coaches to take over from him.
He revealed his intention to step down following his Malawi’s failure to qualify for 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, but some key figures in the Football Association of Malawi are keen for him to remain in charge.
Addressing reporters at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre, Kinnah said he had fulfilled his obligation during his tenure.
“When l was employed as the Flames coach, l promised Malawians to take the team to the Africa Cup of Nations, which l did,” said the country’s football legend.
Kinnah also criticised other soccer fans for attacking him after the 2-2 game against Chad.
He stressed that nobody should question him regarding the Flames failure to qualify for Gabon/ Equatorial Guinea Africa Cup of Nations because he did not promise anybody to take the team to each and every AFCON finals.
“Whether you like it or not, whether you hate me or not, the Flames have done well during my tenure. From the 8 games played during the qualifiers, we have not lost any. In fact we missed the qualification with a whisker, “said the coach.
“My contract ends in June and l will be a happy man because the history will still remain Kinnah Phiri did something for his country,” he said.
Kinnah claimed local coaches were envious with his track record.
Quizzed whether he will be the in charge for the Flame in their World Cup Qualifiers match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the same month he is supposed to step down, he said,” I will not be the in charge because what you should know is that on June 1 l will go on leave waiting for my contract to expire on June 30.”
Kinnah justified his decision to field crocked skipper Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda in the game against Chad.
“Mponda came in as a leader to control the midfield. The guy was instrumental in Ethiopia unfortunately he got injured. Let us not blame anybody for the draw.”
FAM’s General Secretary Sugzo Nyirenda, who was in attendance during the news briefing declined to comment.
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