Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo has paid tribute to his charges for defying all odds to earn a crucial 1-0 away win against Namibia’s Brave Warriors in Windhoek on Saturday.
Ng’onamo returned home following the death of his last-born son, a day before the game.
He also applauded his assistants Ernest Mtawali and Patrick Mabedi for a job well done.
“Having lost my son, it was a solace for the boys to give out their all and win the game and I really appreciate their feat.
“Special mention should also go to my deputies Ernest and Patrick for following the instructions that I left with them pertaining to the game approach and tactics.
“I advised them that in the event that we took the lead, we should switch to 4-1-4-1 system from 4-4-2 by replacing a striker with a defender and it worked. This demonstrates that I have a sound working relationship with my backroom staff,” said Ng’onamo.
The Flames mentor also thanked the soccer fraternity, in particular his employers Kalibu Academy, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and officials from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports as well as Sports Council for the support rendered to his family during the funeral.
“Special mention to the FAM president [Walter Nyamilandu] and management of Kalibu Academy for all they did to ensure that funeral proceedings went on well. I do not take that for granted and God Almighty should bless them all,” said Ng’onamo.
Nyamilandu also saluted the Flames for the significant win.
“This is a massive win and a good start for Eddie and his backroom staff. What a way to start their job. They have done it in style against all odds. Just when everybody had written us off due to the sudden withdrawal of Eddie following the sudden demise of his son, the lads have defied all odds to break the jinx.
“The boys did us proud by collecting maximum points. Having been starved of a win for a very long time, it was good to do it in style. We have proved that Malawi is capable of winning away.
“It is our prayer that we will capitalise on such away points by utilising home ground advantage. This shows that we are not a spent force. The team needed to be re-organised and to adopt a new style of play after it had run out of steam.
Nyamilandu also paid tribute to the caretaker coaching panel.
