The hiring of Young ‘Yugo’ Chimodzi as the Flames’ head coach and Jack ‘Africa’ Chamangwana as his right-hand man is wrapped up in pure football irony.
It is more than a reunion of natural defenders, captains and cool heads. Expect flying tackles!
On what was supposed to be his retirement as national team captain in 1985, before relocating to the bright lights of Johannesburg for a final fling with Kaizer Chiefs, Jack handed over the captaincy armband to his protégé Young.
It was so inevitable. No fuss, whatsoever.
They both were sweepers, astute readers of the finer details of the game who not only played with an aura of confidence and authority but also had/have a good temperament uncharacteristic for football stars.
But while I have no doubt on the duo’s coaching credentials, track record and competence, I am disturbed to realise that FAM has once again come to a common agreement that the solution to the Flames’ struggles lies in changing coaches only. At least that is the impression I get.
While I agreed that Kinnah Phiri had done his best and eventually run out of ideas, I disagree with anyone who thinks the six coaches FAM has tried in the last nine months failed. I think they were failed big time.
Has FAM found a solution to the fundamental challenges that connive to put out the Flames?
It is like putting new tyres on a motor car with a faulty engine and expect it to cruise.
The Flames last played six months ago, how can coaches deliver the goods under such circumstances? Not even a social team can stay that long out of action!
The players’ bonus demands remain unaddressed, how can the coaches motivate them, especially the foreign legion which obviously earns more rands and meticais?
With main sponsors government’s coffers dry, is there assurance of strength-building matches, or it will be the same business of waiting for free lunches?
I have never been in doubt of the talent, but the football management.
I, actually, have no idea why we have the national team in the first place when football, let alone the Flames, are not on the country’s national agenda that is usually at the mercy of politicians.
