Mabedi, Msakakuona appointed Ramadhan’s assistants

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive committee has appointed Patrick Mabedi and Deklerk Msakakuona as interim assistant Flames coaches to caretaker head coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan.

The decision follows a recommendation made by Ramadhan who will take charge of the Flames’ last 2017 Africa Cup of Nations home qualifier against Swaziland’s Sihlangu next month.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu confirmed the appointments, saying Mabedi will be the first assistant coach while Msakakuona will be the second assistant.

“The appointments have been made following recommendations by Ramadhan,” he said.

On long-term plans regarding the position of head coach which fell vacant following the expiry of Ernest Mtawali’s one-year contract, Nyamilandu said: “The appointments are for the Swaziland match only.

“We will assess the situation thereafter. This is only a stop-gap measure.”

He also said the rest of the technical panel, team manager Clement Kafwafwa, goalkeeper trainer Swadick Sanudi and team doctor Levison Mwase, have been maintained.

According to a press statement which FAM released early last month, the interim panel will get down to work from August 10 for  a month.

Mabedi could not be reached for comment yesterday while Msakakuona said he was yet to be officially communicated to about his appointment.

“Honestly, it’s news to me and in the absence of official communication, I am afraid I cannot comment,” said Msakakuona.

Mabedi twice had stints as Flames caretaker assistant coach to Eddingtone Ng’onamo and Belgian Tom Saintfiet in 2014.

Msakakuona is the coach for TNM Super League side Blue Eagles and the Under-17 national side.