Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has said it will fast-track the process of hiring a full-time coach for the Malawi National Football Team.
This comes as Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi’s contract is expected to end on September 30 after his appointment specifically for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and Cosafa Cup.
Mabedi took over from Mario Marinica whose contract was not renewed following a string of poor performances.
Fam Communications and Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the executive committee will decide the way forward on the matter.
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“The matter is of utmost importance because we have World Cup qualifiers in November. But it is the executive committee which will decide on the way forward,’’ Zakazaka said.
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Last week, government gave Fam full responsibility to handle the process of recruiting the coach.
The Fam exco meeting is slated for end October, which is just two weeks before the first matches against Liberia away and Tunisia at home. The matches are slated for November 13 to 21.
However, Zakazaka could not disclose when the Fam executive committee would meet to decide on the appointment of a full-time coach.
Meanwhile, some soccer analysts in the country have advised Fam to critically assess Mabedi’s performance, which has drawn some mixed reactions.
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Some are of the view that the former Flames captain deserves a chance to continue his project while others say he should be maintained in the technical panel, with an experienced mentor heading it.
Mabedi has won thrice with three draws and two losses in eight matches in all competitions.
Sports analyst George Kaudza Masina said the association should make a sober decision on the matter.
“Let us not get too excited with the results. There are several factors that need to considered before a final decision is arrived at. My personal view is that Mabedi is not yet ready for the top job,’’ Kaudza Masina said.
Another analyst Parry Chinyama said the country is in a tricky situation on the matter.
“Just at a glance, maybe he deserves the job. But I will hold the opinion that Mabedi should not be given the post. He is a coach who lacks the technical capacity required at that high level,’’ he said.
Former Malawi National Football Team star Peterkins Kayira concurred with Chinyama, advising against making rushed decision.
“I would like to advise that we should not rush in heaping praise on our local coaches. They still have a long way to go. They certainly need time,’’ Kayira said.
Mabedi’s last game as Flames interim coach was a 2-2 draw against Guinea in a dead-rubber 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.
His first game in the Afcon qualifiers was a goalless draw against Ethiopia at Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo, Mozambique.
Mabedi also led the Flames to a 1-1 draw against Mozambique in an international friendly at the same venue.
The former Kaizer Chiefs interim coach made headlines after guiding a predominantly local squad to the Cosafa Cup semi-finals for the first time in 20 years.
Mabedi’s charges won three group stage matches against Zambia (1-0) Seychelles (2-0) and Comoros (2-0).
The Flames lost 3-0 on post-match penalties to Lesotho after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
In a third-place play-off, Malawi lost 5-3 on post-match penalties after a barren draw with hosts South Africa.
However, Mabedi did not speak on his future after the Guinea match.
The Flames finished the qualifiers on position three with five points from six matches.
