Former Flames captain John Maduka has hailed the national team’s showing in South Africa where they won the 2015 Cosafa Plate trophy on Friday after beating Zambia 1-0.
“The boys did well. We were just unfortunate in the first game. You see, first games are always difficult. There was a little bit of nervousness,” said Maduka who, from television, watched the heart-breaking 5-4 quarter-final loss to Mozambique last Monday.
Malawi exited the mainstream Cosafa Cup after the quarter-final defeat and relocated to the plate section where they emerged the champions among others ejected from the last eight.
Malawi beat South Africa and the Chipolopolo.
Maduka, who is Bloemfontein Celtic team manager, said he was impressed with how the Flames picked themselves up and in the next two games.
“The guys just played well. They did not show any respect to any opponent. I was impressed with the way the boys kept the ball. They just need to be more deadly in front of goal,” he advised.
Former Flames defender and captain Patrick Mabedi also hailed the national team that featured some new faces such as Gerald Phiri Junior, Yamikani Fodya and Muhamad Sulumba. The likes of Chikoti Chirwa and Ernest Tambe did not play.
