Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has revealed that the poor standard of pitches in Malawi is making his talent identification programme a nightmare.
He said this is the reason he needs to watch other leagues’ rural games more than Super League.
Kinnah explained this on Saturday at the scrappy ‘Desert Ground’ in Bangwe Township where businessperson Justice Katika launched a K1 million (about $5 988) Mchinji Boys Football Trophy.
The national team coach, who was recently criticised for concentrating on rural matches as opposed to Super League games, said he prefers to scout raw talent from the rural areas, but the condition of the playing surfaces in such places is a major setback.
While saluting Katika and others for promoting football among rural youths, Kinnah urged the public to work hand in hand with government in improving sports facilities in their areas.
“Rock-strewn pitches like ‘Desert Ground’ are not good enough for talent identification because movement of the ball is always compromised, making good players appear awful,†he said.
Kinnah also defended his love for watching rural football, saying it is only in such places that players give their very best.
“They do not pretend to be gifted and skilful. Those who criticise me for not spending more time on Super League matches do not know what they are talking about,†he said.
During the launch of the Mchinji Boys Football Trophy, Mbuzi Swallows beat Ntopwa One FC 2-1. Brandon Banda and Nyungwa Maunde scored for the Swallows in the first half before Shukulani Sadiki reduced the arrears in the dying minutes of the game.
