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Exit RVG, enter meke

 Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has decided not to renew national team coach Ronney van Geneugdeb (RVG)’s contract barely six days after the expiry of his two-year contract.

The decision was made yesterday during the association’s executive committee meeting held in Salima, ending the Belgian’s hopes of having another tenure with the Flames.

Meke (L) and RVG

The decision has come from Friday’s recommendations from FAM’s technical sub-committee on RVG’s performance.

In a press statement released yesterday, the association’s general secretary Alfred Gunda, states: “Football Association of Malawi is hereby informing the general public and the entire football fraternity that it its executive committee meeting held in Salima on Saturday, April 6, it deliberated on the employment contract of Ronny van Geneugden as head coach of the national football team.

“The executive committee resolved to adopt the recommendation of the technical sub-committee not to renew

coach based on poor results of the Malawi national team.the contract of the national

“FAM would like to thank Ronny van Geneugden for the services rendered to the Malawi national team and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.”

But FAM has not clarified the position of former Flames captain Peter Mponda, who was RVG’s assistant, as it has appointed Under-23 coach Meke Mwase to take charge of the Flames until another full-time coach is recruited.

Meke’s assistants Bob Mpinganjira and Lovemore Fazili have also be retained as his backroom staff with RVG’s goalkeeper trainer Swadick Sanudi and team manager roped in.

But RVG, who in his two years with the Flames had two wins, 11 draws and eight losses, blamed the media for his sacking.

However, RVG is on record as saying he did not fail because he was recruited to develop a football philosophy across all the national teams.

The Belgian tactician claims to have “made strong football development for Malawi football, including coming up with a strategy and philosophy as well as building a new team.”

Football analyst David Kanyenda, who is former Be Forward Wanderers general secretary, said FAM should use a normal recruitment process.

“FAM should now advertise the vacant post. If RVG is still interested in the job then he should apply for it like any other candidates. Thereafter, the usual process of short-listing and interviews will follow culminating in identification of a suitable coach. Similarly if FA intends to create the post of Football Director it should be filled consistent with the standard HR practices on recruitment. No positions must be given on a silver platter,” he said.

Former FAM acting general secretary George Kaudza Masina applauded the association for the action.

“It was a foregone conclusion and if it had come to the contrary it could have been a big surprise,” he said.

Fam president Walter Nyamilandu, who chaired the executive committee has been backing the Belgium for coming up with a system for the team. n

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