Tributes pour in for former Flames coach

A dark cloud has engulfed the football fraternity following the death of renowned coach Eddington Ng’onamo.

His brother George Ng’onamo said the former Football Association of Malawi (Fam) technical director and Flames coach, was found dead at his home in Chileka, Blantyre, Wednesday.

According to his George, the cause of his brother’s death is not yet known.

Until his death, Ng’onamo was Sports Director at Kalibu Academy in Blantyre.

Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in for the former Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers coach.

Fam led the football fraternity in mourning Ng’onamo, who had two coaching stints with the Flames, having worked with Danish coach Kim Splidsboel as deputy and as an assistant to Allan Gillet.

He then took over the Flames in stand-in role in 2002 overseeing goalless draw against Ethiopia and 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe.

“Fam is saddened to announce the death of former Technical Director and Coach Ng’onamo,” the message reads.

Ng’onamo served as Fam TD and as coach. He led the Flames to a 1- 0 victory over Namibia in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers after he was appointed coach.

National Football Association Coaches (NFCA) Chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni said he was shocked.

“The nation has lost. He was a dedicated coach throughout his career. I worked with him on several occasions. I will miss him,” Nankhuni said.

Bullets also paid tribute on their official Facebook page.

“The entire Nyasa Big Bullets family is extremely saddened to hear the news that the former head coach Ng’onamo has passed away,” the statement reads.

While in charge of Bullets, he won the Presidential Cup in 2012. His last coaching job was with Wanderers in the 2022 season as technical director.

He then left the club at the end of his contract.

Wanderers Chairperson of Commercialisation Clement Stambuli said the club was saddened with news of Ng’onamo’s death.

“He was very instrumental as the first TD when Wanderers embarked on rebranding. We have lost a dedicated person,” Stambuli said.

Ng’onamo, 63, is survived by a wife and five children.

Burial arrangements were not yet known as we went to press.