Abel Mkandawire is new She-Flames coach
By Peter Kanjere:
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has appointed experienced coach Abel Mkandawire as Malawi women’s national football team mentor, hoping his able hands can turn around the side’s fortunes.
Mkandawire has been appointed on a year-long contract ahead of the African Women’s 2020 Olympic Games qualifying matches against neighbouring Mozambique next month.
The Caf A-Licence holder said he would make the most of the available time and deliver the goods.
“In coaching, you use the time you have been given. I will do what we call economical training. This is the training that develops technical, tactical, physical and psychological components of football at the same time.
“I will do my best to produce results. I will provide the girls with the highest level of football within an highly enjoyable atmosphere. It is very important to put the girls in a good state of mind. Without that, you cannot succeed in football,” he said.
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Mkandawire has, in his career, coached Surestream Academy, Polytechnic, White Eagles and Malawi Housing Corporation.
The former assistant coach has replaced, as coach, Malawi women’s football pioneer player Maggie Chombo-Sadik, who has been pushed upstairs to the post of technical advisor.
Fam has maintained Andrew Chikhosi as an assistant coach joined by McNebert Kazuwa whereas Catherine Chikandula remains team manager.
First round, first leg matches are scheduled for the weekend of April 1 and 9. The overall winner between Malawi and Mozambique dates Kenya in the next round.
Malawi rarely participate in qualifiers for international competitions.
The She-Flames last participated in the regional Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa last year but failed to get past the group qualifying stages.
China-based sensational forward Tabitha Chawinga is the team’s captain and her absence at the regional tournament was heavily felt.
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