The Flames regroup August 14
The Flames, under the tutelage of new coaches Ernest Mtawali and his deputy Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan, will go into full-time residential camping on August 14 to start preparations for their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group L qualifier away to leaders Swaziland on September 4.
Fam general secretary, Suzgo Nyirenda, said time was not on the new coaches’ side.
“You can see that time is not on our side and we need to have the team in camp in good time because the Swaziland game is important as it will decide our future in as far as the qualification for Gabon in 2017 is concerned,” said Nyirenda.
The Fam CEO also revealed that the team may as well camp in South Africa, a week before travelling to Swaziland.
“It’s something that we need to discuss with the new coaches, but we believe it’s a viable option to have the foreign contingent joining the team in South Africa a week before facing Swaziland. It will help us cutting the costs of flying them to join camp in the final week of the training sessions. At least we should be having a clear picture when we sit down with the coaches on the way forward,” he said.
According to Nyirenda, Fam is banking on the K70 million it would get from government and Carlsberg Malawi Limited sponsorship.
“As Fam, we al so have something little in our account to add on, but we expect well-wishers to help us. Otherwise, we are determined to give the new coaches full support to have the team fully prepared for the Swaziland game,” he said.
Nyirenda added that upon reaching an understanding with the coaches, the camping would be divided in two phases with the locally-based players being accommodated at Chiwembe Hotel and those making the Swaziland trip joining the South Africa and Mozambique-based teammates in the rainbow nation.
The Flames’ chances are hanging in the balance following the 2-1 defeat by Zimbabwe’s Warriors in June and the Swaziland encounter is a must-win.
During last Saturday’s unveiling of Mtawali and Ramadhan as the new men at the helm of the Flames, Fam president Walter Nyamilandu challenged them to build a strong and well-jelled team capable of playing eye-catching football.
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