Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi has caught the attention of some DStv Premiership clubs in South Africa following the senior side’s impressive performance at the just ended 2023 Hollywood Bets Cosafa Cup in Durban.
Under Mabedi’s tutelage, the Flames finished on position four out of 12 teams.
Sabc Sport reported on Sunday that Mabedi confirmed offers from Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs but he prefers international football at the moment, although he is undecided on his future.
“On that one, we need to put it in the left side pocket because we do not know what tomorrow brings. There are a couple of PSL teams that have come to me, they wanted my service. It is difficult to say now,’’ Mabedi is quoted as saying on Sabc Sport.
However, Mabedi could not disclose which PSL teams expressed interest in his services.
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The former Flames and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defender has previously managed Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Black Aces and Black Leopards.
According to Sabc Sport, despite preferring a Malawi job, Mabedi did not rule out a return to South Africa football.
“In football, things can happen in a short period of time, so I won’t be able to respond immediately but we will see when the time goes. I do not know what the FA [Football Association of Malawi (Fam)] is thinking and I do not know what other teams are thinking, so we just need to wait and see.
“I think it is serious business to help a national team; I will be privileged and it is better than to help a club,’’ he was quoted as saying.
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However, Mabedi was not readily available for his comment Tuesday.
Mabedi, who is also Malawi Under-20 National Football Team coach, will also lead the Flames during the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea in September.
Fam President Walter Nyamilandu Tuesday told this paper that Mabedi’s fate will be decided in September after the qualifiers.
Former Flames defender Moses Chavula believes Mabedi has high chances of landing the Flames job.
“He has just started a good project and I believe he will stick with the Flames. It is good for him to get offers from outside the country,’’ Chavula said.
The Flames will take part in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they have been drawn in Group H alongside Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Liberia and Sao Tome and Principle.
During the Cosafa Cup, the Flames registered three victories and two losses.
They defeated Zambia 1-0 in the opening match before beating Seychelles and Comoros by 2-0 margins.
But they lost 3-0 to Lesotho on post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time. They also lost 5-3 on post-match penalties to South Africa in the third place play-off.
