Ng’onamo takes over Flames
Big Bullets mentor Eddingtone Ng’onamo was, subject to his acceptance, on Wednesday ushered in as the Flames caretaker coach.
Patrick Mabedi and Ernest Mtawali are his right hand men, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced on Wednesday.
“This offer is valid up until the end of the 2013World Cup qualifiers in September 2013 and is subject to the offer being accepted,” FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda says in a press statement.
Ng’onamo steps in for removed Kinnah Phiri whereas Mtawali and Mabedi fill in the void created by yet another redeployment of Young Chimodzi as, just like his former Flames boss, regional youth officer alongside Jack Chamangwana.
Captain Kondwani Kachipanda and Charles Manda are the new interim team doctor and team manager, taking over from Matthews Mangondo and Stuart Mbolembole respectively.
The replaced Flames coaches’ relocation pose to FAM challenges of perks for the caretakers. Nyirenda said they would engage the Ministry of Youth and Sports on funding of the interim coaching panel.
Ng’onamo was not readily available for comment on Wednesday while Mtawali and Mabedi earlier said they were ready to take up the offers.
Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire, while admitting that they might be affected by Ng’onamo’s appointment, wished him well.
“It is Bullets that has given him this platform to the Flames. He is a mature person who knows how to handle different characters. We ask FAM to give him support,” said Mkandawire.
The new coaches’ most immediate challenges are World Cup qualifiers starting with a trip to Namibia late next month. Malawi also travels to Nigeria before welcoming the Brave Warriors.
Ng’onamo served as a deputy to coach Kim Splidsboel, then took over the Flames in stand-in role in 2002 overseeing goalless draw with Ethiopia and 2-1 beating of Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, it remains to be known what position Mtawali will take in the wake of a revelation that a Swazi club is seeking his services.
The Observer of Swaziland reported that Mtawali had declared interest to coach Manzini Sundowns.
Mtawali, who is Mamelodi Sundowns players deputy head scout, said he was ready for the challenge at Sundowns after being approached to take over the hot seat.
The Observer says when contacted on Monday, Mtawali confirmed being approached by one of the team’s officials about taking over the coaching reins at the ‘Basop Ikappa Kappa’ ensemble.
Mtawali is set to replace sacked Brazilian coach Luis De Sousa, who had a two-month stint with the team. De Sousa was fired for failing to verify his coaching certificates with his home country’s football federation.
“African football is the same, whether you are in Zambia, South Africa, Swaziland or Lesotho. There is not much difference. I got a call from an official from Sundowns and I am still waiting for them to come back to me so that we can finalise everything. But we did talk over the phone and nothing has been put on paper to seal the deal. In fact, I am interested in the job and ready for the challenge ahead,” he said.
As a player, Mtawali was with the Mamelodi Sundowns team that visited Swaziland in 1992 for a friendly match against the local side, when it was called Denver Sundowns.
According to the interview with The Observer Mtawali said he had heard a lot of fascinating stories about Swazi football and he was geared up to relocate to that country provided Manzini Sundowns show seriousness in their prospects of engaging him.
