Flames in identity crisis

Malawi national football team remains in an identity wilderness as they will use yet another provisional uniform at the six-nation mini-tournament to be hosted by Morocco.

The Flames do not have an official uniform following the expiry of the contract with Umbro.

The last time Malawi participated in an international tournament at Cosafa Cup in South Africa in June, the team became a laughing stock after wearing a substandard and oversized uniform.

The incident caused public outcry and government, through the immediate past Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Henry Mussa, who described the uniform as Kaunjika, demanded a report from the football governing body.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) head of marketing and commercial department Limbani Matola said the Cosafa Cup uniform was “what was available” then at the Umbro dealer in South Africa.

Matola then said a new kit procuring process was at an advanced stage and that within 90 days, the Flames will have a uniform befitting a national team.

But when contacted on the progress of the new kit, Matola refused to comment.

“I am afraid I cannot answer that question. My superiors are better placed to give you an answer,” he said.

When contacted for comment, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu confirmed that the Flames uniform is not yet ready and that the association will buy another temporary uniform specifically for the Morocco mini-tournament.

“We will launch the new kit when it’s ready. In the interim, we will find a suitable kit to use in Morocco,” he said.

Commenting on the development, Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) executive secretary George Jana said he believed there will not be a repeat of the Cosafa Cup incident.

“I would think FAM is aware of how the public reacted to the uniform they used [at Cosafa Cup] and that they will buy a suitable one this time around,” he said.

The mini-tournament will involve the hosts, Togo, Niger, Mauritania and Kenya. n