Mtawali casts net wider

Flames new coach Ernest Mtawali is courting some stakeholders in player-selection process for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Swaziland’s Sihlangu on September 4 away in Mbabane.

Mtawali confirmed that he has approached National Football Coaches Committee (NFCC), journalists through the Sports Writers Association (Swam) and technical director John Kaputa. It is the first time in many years that a national coach has sought the input of other stakeholders.

“We [and assistant Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan] are in the process of coming up with our own list. We are the ones entrusted with this task, but then you never know we see things differently, others might have different views.

“The whole essence is to compare and contrast so that in the end we come up with a formidable squad after analysing several aspects. No man is an island and this team belongs to us all, not me, Ramadhan or FAM,” said Mtawali.

Asked if the move is meant to suppress critics in the event that things do not go well, Mtawali said: “A coach is judged by results, so even if I consult the angels, in the end I will still be answerable and I have the final say.”

NFCC general secretary Benjamin Kumwenda on Thursday confirmed having been contacted by Mtawali to consider providing a list of 25 players that can be considered for selection.

“Basically, my understanding is that he is looking at the time factor as they do not have much time between now and the date of the match and they would also want input of their colleagues.

“It shows that he is ready to work collectively with fellow coaches and get their input, which is a very good development. Of course, he will not accommodate every advice or suggestion because the buck stops with him and after all is said and done, he has the final say,” said Kumwenda.

Seasoned sports journalist Leonard Sharra, who is also Swam vice-president, said: “It is a welcome development, the new coach has demonstrated that he is ready to take advice; afterall, they cannot be everywhere at the same time, so it is imperative that they seek input from such stakeholders.

“The most important thing is that they have the final say. During his [Mtawali] recent stint with the Flames for the July 6 friendly against Uganda, there were calls for the inclusion of players such as Chiukepo Msowoya and he heeded that call and the player justified his inclusion by scoring the winning goal.”