There’s a lot at Stake, says meck

Malawi national football team coach Meck Mwase says there is a lot at stake in tomorrow’s game against Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of  Nations qualifier at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

In an interview yesterday on arrival from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the Flames mentor said they are taking the game seriously after losing 3-1 on Thursday.

“We know what is at stake for us and decided to go for training soon after arrival. And that shows that we want to win,” said Mwase.

On the players state of mind after arriving just two days before the game, the Flames coach admitted that the pressure is there.

“For sure there must psychological and fitness issues but there is nothing we can do. The game is on,” he said.

Meanwhile, Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assigned former FAM first vice-president James Mwenda as Covid-19 officer for the Flames and Burkina Faso’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Kamuzu Stadium tomorrow.

This comes 11 months after Mwenda lost Football Association of Malawi presidential election to incumbent Walter Nyamilandu.

A letter signed by CAF medical manager to FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda states that: “CAF is hereby informing that [Mr] James Mwenda has been designated as CAF Covid-19 officer for the match no 83 [Malawi vs Burkina Faso] on 16 November at Kamuzu Stadium.”

Efforts to talk to Gunda were unsuccessful, but Mwenda said in an interview yesterday it was an honour.

“I am happy to be associated with the game that I truly love. I thank CAF for the recognition. I will use my experience that I gained for many years as a match commissioner. Together with my fellow CAF officials I will work to the best of my ability. It is also pleasing to me as I will be serving my country on the day.”

Malawi are on third position after beating South Sudan in the opening match, but have lost 2-0 away to Uganda.