Mwase to finish Afcon mission

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says Flames coach Meck Mwase will be allowed to see out the 2022 Afcon qualifiers’ last round of matches although his contract will have expired by then.

The Flames gaffer’s one year deal expires in February next year while the Malawi national football team’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers campaign will end in March against Uganda’s Cranes at home and away to South Sudan against the Bright Stars.

But in an interview yesterday, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said: “The timing or postponements of the tournaments should not be a stumbling block to a fair assessment.

“The contract can always be varied by the employers to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances.

“The most important thing is for his assignments to be completed so that his performance is appraised accordingly.”

He also said the association will initiate the process to avoid any hitches with the contract.

Early this year, FAM set the Afcon qualification and reaching the Cosafa Cup final as the main targets for Mwase.

However, due to the effects of Covid-19, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) shifted the period for the Afcon qualifiers while the Cosafa Cup was cancelled.

On his part, Mwase said he is aware of the situation, but is yet to take it up with FAM.

“I have also observed that the remaining two qualifiers will be played after the expiry of my contract, but I am just an employee and I will wait for FAM’s determination,” he said.

Mwase said since the Flames still have slim chances of qualifying, he should be allowed to see out the Afcon campaign for a fair assessment.

Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson Symon Mbvundula yesterday said they will be guided by FAM on the matter.

He said: “It will be up to FAM to decide on the way forward because we just go by their recommendations.”

The Flames are third in Group H with four points from four matches, having won one, drawn once, lost twice and drawn once.

Burkina Faso’s Stallions lead the group with eight points followed by Uganda on seven points while South Sudan anchor the four-team group with three points.

So far, Mwase has been in charge of 17 games, notching five wins, four losses and drawing eight.