Malawi can’t afford to hire foreign coach – says Min. of Sports

Government has backtracked on its earlier decision to employ an expatriate coach because of the prevailing economic problems.

Last week both Chihana and Fam were quoted in the local media as saying that they would engage Ng’onamo on temporary basis before employing an expatriate coach on full time basis.

However, Chihana, said they would consider employing an expatriate coach once the country’s economy stabilises.

Chihana disclosed this in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that government could not afford to pay the expatriate coach even in the next financial year.

“In the meantime, government can’t afford (to employ) an expatriate coach and it will only consider that once the economy stabilises. That’s the message which should be put across,” Chihana said.

He said he received calls from agents in Brazil, Ireland and South Africa asking him if they could start courting the coaches for the Flames.

However, he said he has told them off because government was not ready for a foreign coach.

Fam appointed Big Bullets coach Eddington Ng’onamo as the Flames head coach with South Africa based Earnest Mtawali and Patrick Mabedi as his assistants.

This followed the firing of Kinnah Phiri, his assistant Young Chimodzi and technical director Jack Chamangwana.

He said in the next financial year, which begins in July, government will advertise the vacancy for the national coach.

Chihana said Ng’onamo would have to apply for the permanent position during that time alongside other local coaches.

However, Chihana, said he could automatically be considered for the job depending on his performance in the World Cup qualifiers beginning next month.

But when contacted for their comment, Fam’s general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said he was in a meeting and would call back later.