Malawi to offer coach Kinnah new deal – Sports Minister
A boost to Malawi national team coach, Kinnah Phiri, as government has assured him of another renewal to his contract which is expected to end June 30, 2012.
This development comes as Malawi – the Flames -prepares to take on Chad this Saturday in a must win game if they are to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
Sports and Youth Minister Enock Chihana told MBC Radio 2 Sports on Tuesday that government will renew the Flames mentor’s contract at the end of this month.
“We cannot terminate his contract because he is building a new team. Kinnah has been royal to the nation by not demanding a lot than these foreign coaches, so why should we terminate his contract,” said the minister.
Chihana also emphasized that the Malawian soccer legend never gave government conditions, as such there was no any reason for them to give him conditions.
The news will put to an end speculation about Kinnah’s future.
The minister also hailed the tactician for uplifting the national team since he took over the mantle from an expatriate coach.
Many soccer Malawians have been calling for the coach’s head for posting bad results. The track record showed out of 11 games, it has won just 2, drew 8 and lost 1
The last time the team won a competitive match was in 2011 November during the CECAFA Cup in Tanzania.
But the mentor said during his tenure he has achieved a lot including taking Malawi to African Cup of Nations competition in 2010 after 26 years.
He insisted the Flames remained a work in progress.
Meanwhile, it is not clear whether Flames vast experienced striker Esau Kanyenda would join the squad for the Chad game.
The striker left Denmark for South Africa on Tuesday on his way coming home after his club finished games for this season.
Speaking with Nyasa Times, Kanyenda said that he has to consult his coach first.
“As of now l cannot talk much because l have to talk to my coach first and if l am in his plans then will be more than ready to fight for my nation,” said Kanyenda.
Chad national team arrived in the country via Kamuzu International Airport in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe before proceeding to the commercial of Malawi, Blantyre for the epic battle on Saturday.
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