Analysts Urge Long-Term Planning for Malawi National Soccer Team's Success
The Flames have lost all four matches in their current Afcon qualifying group, sitting at the bottom with zero points.
SALIMA, Malawi — Soccer analysts are calling on the Football Association of Malawi to develop comprehensive plans for the national team, known as the Flames, to improve its performance in competitions, writes Joseph Chalera.
Kevin Moyo and Twaha Chimuka, speaking in separate interviews, emphasized the need for both short- and long-term strategies.
"Planning for the 2027 Afcon is very unrealistic because the period is just too short," Moyo said, referring to the Africa Cup of Nations.
"Yes, we can qualify but will only participate in that competition, not compete."
Malawi has qualified for Afcon three times but failed to advance past the group stage twice.
Moyo outlined key factors for improvement: "Do we have quality coaches locally who can fine-tune our players? Do we have better stadiums? Is our elite league competitive?"
Both analysts cautioned against firing current coach Patrick Mabedi, calling it a short-term solution.
"We have had coaches before, but what have we achieved after firing them?" Moyo asked.
Chimuka suggested focusing on 2027 and 2029 Afcons as short- and long-term goals, respectively.
"We were not equal to the task. We failed to prepare and plan properly," Chimuka said of the team's recent performance.
The Flames have lost all four matches in their current Afcon qualifying group, sitting at the bottom with zero points.
They face Burkina Faso at home and Burundi away in their remaining games.