Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) statement on Flames coach Mario Marinica’s firing issued yesterday which was April 1, read like a Fool’s Day prank, but it was not.

 The association had decided not renew Marinica’s contract which expires on April 30.

FAM boss Walter Nyamilandu
welcomes Marinica (L) in 2021

FAM communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the decision was made yesterday at a FAM executive committee (ex co) emergency meeting.

Ironically, the ex co decision’s was made while the technical subcommittee was also locked in a meeting to discuss the coach’s fate.

Zakazaka justified the ex co’s decision.

He said: “The FAM constitution is clear. The ex co as a board is the highest authority. It can make a decision on the matter.”

Zakazaka, however, said the technical subcommittee will make a recommendation on who will be caretaker for the Flames.

FAM’s statement said the Romanian tactician will proceed on his annual leave up to April 30.

The statement reads in part: “FAM wishes to announce that by mutual consent, it has been agreed with Mr Mario Marinica not to enter into negotiations for renewal of his contract as Head Coach of the Flames when it expires on 30th April 2023. Given this mutual understanding, coach Marinica will proceed on his scheduled annual leave up to April 30th, 2023.”

FAM thanked Marinica for taking the Flames to the Africa Cup of Nation (Afcon) round of 16 in Cameroon last year.

The statement further reads: FAM will live to remember Coach Marinica for bringing great joy and pride to the nation of Malawi by guiding the Flames to the historic qualification of the Round of 16 at the Afcon in Cameroon. FAM would like to wish coach Marinica all the best in his future endeavours.”

Marinica’s fate comes after Malawi’s terrible performance in 2023 Afcon qualifiers where the Flames have lost three out of four matches in Group D.

 The Flames chances of making to the final in Ivory Coast next year are slim since even if they win their last two qualifiers, the two top teams Egypt and Guinea are tied at nine points and only need a draw to qualify.

Soccer analyst David Kanyenda, a lawyer, said unlike previous local coaches, Marinica has been treated with dignity.

He said: “I wish local coaches were accorded the same dignity and respect on matters concerning their employment status. Previous experience shows that FAM has brutally sacked locals and in some cases through the media statements issued without prior engagement with or warning to the coach. One hopes this is the beginning of a responsible and humane management of coaches.”

Marinica was initially hired as technical director but FAM decided to make him Flames head coach at the Afcon finals.

Pooled in the same group as Guinea, Senegal and Zimbabwe, the Flames went on to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 before holding eventual champions Senegal in a last group match to sail through to the round of 16 as third best.

In the round of 16 Malawi lost to Morocco 2-1.

In April 2022, FAM appointed Marinica Flames coach and redeployed Meck Mwase to the Under-23.

In the 2023 Afcon, The Flames, under Marinica, started with a 2-1 victory over Ethiopia on June 5 while Egypt beat Guinea 1-0.

But four days later the Flames suffered a 1-0 loss to Guinea in Conakry.

At the Cosafa Cup in June 2022, Malawi was in group B with e-Swatini, Lesotho and Mauritius.

Marinica only managed a win against a second string side of Mauritius, a 1-1 draw against e-Eswatini and a 2-1 loss to Lesotho, as Malawi once again failed to make it to the knockout stage.

In the 2022 Africa Nations Championship (Chan), the Flames were handed a lifeline to the second round following their first round opponents Zimbabwe’s Warriors suspension from international football by Fifa.

Malawi were then held 1-1 by Mozambique at Bingu National Stadium.

The return leg in July at Zimpeto Stadium ended goalless for the young Mambas to qualify for the final.

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