FAM unmoved by World Cup dates change

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has said Malawi is not worried with Fifa’s decision to change the dates of Flames 2014 World Cup qualifiers in June saying the team is ready to play any day.

Fifa has ruled that Flames play their games on the same day as Nigeria following Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) complaint that playing on different days will give Malawi unfair advantage.

This means Malawi will host Namibia on Wednesday June 5 and Kenya a week later.

Initially the Flames were supposed to play three day later after each of the Nigeria games.

FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said the changes will have no effect on the Flames performance and preparations for the two games.

“It is Fifa’s call and we have to respect that. But this will not change anything. It is just a day. Even if they said we play on a Monday or Sunday we will play.

“Malawians love football and we have no doubt they will come to watch their team even during midweek. We once played Botswana in the 2012 Afcon qualifiers in midweek and the stadium was filled to capacity, so this is not new,” he said.

Nyirenda said the crucial part is for the Flames to prepare well for the games to ensure they collect maximum points.

“If we want to go to the next round then we have to win these two games because they are crucial in this campaign,” he said.

Caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo refused to comment on whether the change of dates will have any impact on his team’s preparations and performance.

“It is too early to comment on that because its about two months from now. I will comment when the games draw closer and we are in camp. The mood of the players in the camp will determine whether the dates change will matter or what,” he said.

Malawi and Nigeria are joint leaders in Group F with five points each from three games, but the Super Eagles have a better goal difference that gives them an edge.