Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has named Patrick Mabedi as Malawi National Football Team coach on a two-year contract.
This was approved at the Fam Executive Committee meeting held in Mangochi on Saturday.
Fam President Walter Nyamilandu confirmed the development but said more details would be announced in a statement.
Nyamilandu was quick to say Mabedi would be given freedom to choose his backroom staff with the approval of the executive committee.
“Indeed, we have approved Patrick Mabedi but the general secretary will be issuing a statement,” Nyamilandu said in a written response.
Mabedi was Flames caretaker coach for three months after the association decided against renewing Mario Marian Marinica’s contract due to poor performance of the team, which failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.
The former Flames and Kaizer Chiefs defender led the Flames to the semifinals of the Cosafa Cup for the first time in 20 years after winning all three matches in the group stage.
However, the Flames lost 3-0 on post-match penalties to Lesotho in the semi-final before suffering another 5-3 defeat to South Africa in the third-place play-off.
Mabedi was not readily available for his comment yesterday.
In the Afcon qualifiers, the Flames drew 0-0 with Ethiopia at Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo, Mozambique, before recording a 2-2 stalemate against Guinea at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Mabedi’s appointment also comes as the Flames are expected to face Liberia in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers next month.
The Flames, who are in Group H will host Tunisia in the second game of the qualifiers just a few days after facing Liberia.
National Football Coaches Association General Secretary Davie Mpima said Mabedi deserves the job.
“We all know what Mabedi has done as Flames coach in a short time. He has delivered and, so, it is better to let him continue the project,” Mpima said.
Mabedi’s appointment means he will likely leave his role as Malawi Under-20 National Team Coach. During his reign as a Flames caretaker, Mabedi was assisted by Under-17 coach Deklerk Msakakuona and Blue Eagles coach Eliya Kananji.
Silver Strikers assistant coach Peter Mgangira and Chancy Gondwe were also part of his backroom staff.
Sports analyst Moses Chavula said Mabedi deserves to continue with his project.
“It was obvious that he will get the job after a good performance,” Chavula said.
