Soccer analysts have advised Football Association of Malawi (Fam) to exercise caution and cast the net wider before appointing a Malawi National Football Team permanent coach.
This comes after the Kalisto Pasuwa-led interim technical panel impressed after helping the team to collect four points following a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso and goal-less draw with Burundi in the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
However, the soccer analysts have said Fam should not get carried away with the results in the two dead-rubber matches.
Sports analyst George Kaudza-Masina said while Pasuwa had a lot of qualities, Fam should critically assess other available options.
“Much as the two matches for which they were contracted for brought smiles to Malawians at large, let us regard this as a one-off assignment and not be carried away, lest we repeat mistakes we made with Meck Mwase and Patrick Mabedi.
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“Otherwise, mission accomplished and the team displayed beautiful football,” Kaudza-Masina said.
Previously, Fam appointed Mwase and Mabedi after impressive performances as caretaker coaches.
Another sports analyst Parry Chinyama said Fam needed to do soul searching.
“Let us not get carried away by the results. I would have loved it if we were to employ a high calibre coach with a good track record; someone who will change the way we play, organise and manage our football. Someone who can also develop our players to be exposed internationally,” Chinyama said.
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Between now and February, the Flames will likely be idle as the next assignment will be against Namibia’s Brave Warriors in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in March next year.
In an interview Tuesday, Fam General Secretary Alfred Gunda said they would continue to engage government, through Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS), to follow all processes of recruiting a permanent coach.
“The mandate of the current interim technical panel will expire once the appointment is made. In the meantime, we will continue with discussions with government,’’ Gunda said.
However, in a post-match interview, Pasuwa refused to comment on his future as Flames interim coach.
“As of now, that one I leave to the office, I cannot talk about it. Thank you,” Pasuwa said.
Pasuwa was vindicated for recalling some experienced players after they delivered against Burkina Faso.
Frank Gabadihno Mhango and Richard Mbulu, who were overlooked by Mabedi, netted a goal each with the other goal coming from Lloyd Aaron.
Another outcast Charles Petro led the team well as captain.
