Mtawali ready for Malawi task: Caretaker coach

Caretaker coach Ernest Mtawali says Malawi national team, aka the Flames, can become one of the top five sides in Africa and expressed his delight for his appointment but was quick to call on the support of the fans and other stakeholders.

Former Malawi midfield maestro, Mtawali, took over on Sunday following the sacking of Head coach Young Chimodzi and his assistant Jack Chamangwana after the Flames lost as home 1-2 to Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Mtawali welcomed his appointment in the interim basis, saying he would get down to business.

“I’m a very happy to be offered the chance to coach my country,” Mtawali said.

“I’m looking forward to the task ahead. I’m hoping that everyone, fans and supporters will get behind the team which has good players,” said the revered former Flames professional player, who has played in France, Argentina Middle East and South Africa.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) extraordinary executive meeting recommended that the government should not renew Chimodzi and Chamangwana’s contract and instead hire Mtawali on caretaker basis.

“I would like to thank FAM for offering me the chance to coach the team on interim basis,” Mtawali said.

“It’s important to get down to work ,” added Mtawali.

The caretaker coach’s immediate assignment is against a friendly game against Uganda on 6 July as part of the activities to commemorate the Independence Day.

Malawi face Swaziland in September in the second Africa Cup of Nations group qualifiers. Swaziland beat group favourites Guinea 2-1 away creating a more challenging task.