Flames coach Mario Marinica’s ‘fast football’ philosophy will be an integral part in the syllabus of the forthcoming CAF B coaching course which starts on July 7 in Blantyre, The Nation has established.

Thirty coaches from TNM Super League and regional leagues will undergo the training for four weeks at Chiwembe’s Mpira Village in Blantyre.

Flames players practising Mario’s fast football

FAM technical director Benjamin Kumwenda yesterday confirmed in an interview that the syllabus has incorporated Marinica’s philosophy as “the national philosophy”.

He said: “Mario’s philosophy has some pillars which all coaches in the country must follow. The coaches have to be in line with the principles in this philosophy.”

Kumwenda justified the incorporation of Marinica’s philosophy in the syllabus, saying players need to get acquainted with it at their clubs.

He said: “Coaches must apply this philosophy. We want the players to be introduced to these principles at club level so that when they are called for national duty, they are aware of what is expected of them.”

Marinica’s style has attracted criticism for lacking flair, but Kumwenda said it has been misunderstood.

He said: “What people are calling ‘kick and rush’ is not Mario’s philosophy. What the coach is saying is that we don’t play in our half, we play in the opponent’s half. We don’t pass to the foot, we pass on space.

“We don’t’ pass backwards; we pass forward. We don’t play in the middle, we play in the flanks. These are the principles in Mario’s ‘fast and very fast football’ philosophy. This is what all the coaches must teach their players at club level.”

However, some of the coaches targeted for the course, have expressed reservations on the imposition of Mario’s style.

Nyasa Big Bullets assistant coach Peter Mponda, who is known for his strict pass-and-support style, said every coach has his own style.

He said: “This can’t happen. Every coach has his own philosophy. You can’t force a coach who likes a passing game to adopt his style.”

Silver assistant coach McDonald Yobe also observed that it would be difficult to change a club’s style of play.

He said: “Silver is known for its passing game which is unique and can’t be changed.”

But Mighty Wanderers assistant coach Joseph Kamwendo felt Marinica’s style should be given a chance.

He said: “For me, I would say yes to the new philosophy.

“Let us give Mario time and things will get better.”

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