Mponda rejects Flames role
Peter Mponda, whose future as the Flames captain is uncertain, has pledged to support interim coach Eddington Ng’onamo, but rejected his offer to become the national team’s players’ adviser.
But speaking during Flames coaches unveiling ceremony in Blantyre on Wednesday, Ng’onamo refused to comment on Mponda’s future with the Flames, saying “it was too early…give me a week.”
But sources confided in The Nation that Ng’onamo approached the influential Mponda hoping he could be a model on good behaviour to the new batch of players in camp ahead of the away 2014 World Cup qualifier in Namibia.
Mponda, who works as Surestream Academy technical director, on Tuesday reiterated that he had not yet called it time on his playing career.
He is currently undergoing physiotherapy hoping to revive his career at Big Bullets next season.
“Mr. Ng’onamo briefed me about the role. He felt I have a close relationship with most players, hence, I could play a role. I am available for him to help in whatever way, but I cannot go there in that capacity. I have not hung up my boots.,” Mponda explained.
“The coach has two assistants and the team manager who also played football at the highest level. They should be able to play that role. I do not want to bring unnecessary tension in the team. My time is not over. I am still a player.”
After guiding the Flames to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Mponda was hit by injuries in the 2012 qualification campaign. He was unable to play a part, his legs snapping up after coming on as a substitute in a decisive match against Chad. The game ended 2-2 on October 28 2010. Eventually, former coach Kinnah Phiri named Moses Chavula as stand-in captain.
