National Sports

Mtawali’s fate after Cosafa Cup

 

The Flames coach Ernest Mtawali will know whether Football Association of Malawi (FAM) will renew his contract after the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup to be held between June 11 and 25 in Namibia.

FAM had earlier indicated that Mtawali’s one-year contract renewal depended on the results of Flames’ two-legged Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying matches against Guinea.

Mtawali reacts after Malawi concedes the second goal
Mtawali reacts after Malawi concedes the second goal

But general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda on Thursday said the two games were just some of the matches to be considered when assessing the technical panel’s performance.

“Of course, Mtawali’s contract is performance-based. However, we have not discussed the matter because the renewal of his contract is not dependent on specific games, but rather overall performance of the team during his one-year tenure, which expires after the Cosafa tournament in June,”  Nyirenda said.

This means Mtawali will still be in-charge in the Flames Afcon qualifier second leg on June 3.

But FAM will have to decide his fate before the last qualifier against Swaziland.

However, Nyirenda said the Mtawali-led technical panel is required to submit a report to FAM through its technical subcommittee on what went wrong for the Flames to play without focus against Guinea on Tuesday.

“We will also consult  stakeholders, including Flames players, in order to find a solution to our problems. We need to hear from them on what really happened for the national team to lose in that manner at home. Why is it  difficult to win at the Kamuzu Stadium?

“After the goalless draw in Guinea during the first-leg, we had all the confidence that we could win at home, but the opposite happened. We did not play on that day,” he said.

Nyirenda further said before coming up with a decision on whether to renew Mtawali’s contract, they will also consider other contributing factors to Flames performance such as the coach’s working relationship with his backroom staff, how he conveys information to his charges and players tactical discipline.

Mtawali, who took over the mantle from Young Chimodzi last year, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

But after the game, the coach said the team had no excuse for the loss.

Malawi allowed Guinea to come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory.

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda observed that Malawi lacked tactical discipline.

“I thought Guinea’s strategy of keeping the ball in the air to disrupt Malawi’s pattern of play worked fully. They capitalised on Malawi’s flaw in aerial combat. They scored twice after high balls lofted into the box and a poor punch away by the keeper following a corner kick.

“The young goalkeeper and the centre-backs appeared not coordinated. Their misunderstanding contributed to the cock-up that culminated in the two goals being conceded. Overall though, the professionalism on the part of the visitors, made the difference, it has to be said,” said Nyirenda.

Related Articles

Back to top button