Former Flames coach Kim Splidsboel has offered to host the Flames in Denmark as part of their preparations for their final 2014 World Cup qualifier against African champions Nigeria.
The offer has been made through Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo who is a close ally to Splidsboel.
The Flames—who are currently Group F joint leaders with Nigeria on five points—are scheduled to travel to the West African domain in September for their final group qualifier that could determine their date with destiny depending on the results of their next two home games against Namibia and Kenya in June.
Said Ng’onamo: “As part of his contribution towards the team’s preparations, Kim and his friend [only identified as Kurt] have offered to host us in Denmark for a period of at least two weeks en route to Nigeria.
“Kim has committed to meeting accommodation, food and local transport costs as well as organising build-up matches and special training sessions.
“I have since briefed the FAM president about the offer and I am waiting for feedback. I believe that depending on the results in our next games, the Denmark camping would be vital to tune up for Nigeria.”
Ng’onamo said Splidsboel and his friend are asking FAM to raise $10 000 [about K4.1 million] to cater for other costs.
Splidsboel confirmed in an e-mail response that he is indeed ready to host the Flames.
“I am very excited that the Flames have managed to put their World Cup campaign back on track following the win against Namibia and I would like to play my part by assisting to host the team as they prepare for Nigeria,” said Splidsboel.
However, while appreciating the gesture, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu has said there are other factors that would have to be considered.
“The coach briefed me about it and I should say it is a very good gesture, no doubt about that. But there are other factors that we need to consider such as financial implications and timing as we are trying to enforce the harmonisation of the football calendar and we have three sponsored cups as well as the Super League and other international engagements.
“However, we have to be mindful of the fact that we need thorough but feasible preparations that are compatible with our current situation.
“We take the offer with extreme pleasure and we’ll see how best we can make of it,” said Nyamilandu.
A return air ticket to Denmark’s capital Copenhagen costs about $1 800 [K741 600] translating to K19.2 million for a delegation of 26.
The Flames travelled to Denmark twice for camping [in 2006 and 2009] and it helped them tune up for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, Ng’onamo has said he would like the Flames to play two strength-testing matches against former African champions Zambia’s Chipolopolo and Zimbabwe’s Warriors in preparation for Namibia and Kenya.
