Malawi Soccer Faces Coaching Delay Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
FAM dismissed previous head coach Patrick Mabedi in October 2024 due to poor performance and has since relied on an interim technical panel.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Soccer analysts warn that delays in recruiting a permanent national team coach could significantly undermine Malawi's preparations for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, writes Joseph Chalera.
Kevin Moyo, a prominent soccer analyst, urged the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to expedite the coaching selection process, emphasizing the potential performance risks of prolonged uncertainty.
"It is sad to note that up to now the national team has got no permanent coaches, this is putting the team in a difficult situation," Moyo said.
The 'Flames' currently sit fourth in their qualifying group with 6 points from 4 games, having won two and lost two.
Their next critical matches include home and away World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Tunisia in March 2025.
Moyo recommended maintaining the current interim technical panel—comprising Callisto Pasuwa, Peter Mponda, and Pritchard Mwansa—who managed the team's recent Africa Cup of Nations games.
FAM dismissed previous head coach Patrick Mabedi in October 2024 due to poor performance and has since relied on an interim technical panel.
"It will be a suicide to employ someone who has never been engaged in our game," Moyo warned, stressing the importance of selecting a coach familiar with Malawian football dynamics.