Mario Marinica says it is difficult to say whether he would accept a permanent role as Flames coach.

The Romanian tactician was hired as technical director by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) in December, but was appointed to take charge of the Flames by the association’s executive committee, albeit temporarily, at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, the 58-year-old, who guided the team to its first-ever knockout stage at the continental showpiece, said: “That is a very difficult question to answer because first of all, we have to meet the executive committee and carry out a post-mortem of the Afcon.

Marinica: It is a
difficult question

“We have to discuss what actually was pro and what was con; what was good and what was not great and see how we can develop the Flames.

“From there we can come up with a conclusion and a decision will be made by the executive committee.”

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said a review of the Flames technical panel set up will be discussed at the association’s next executive committee.

He also said the meeting will determine the future of Flames coach Meck Mwase, who was demoted to Marinica’s assistant at the tournament.

Upon the Flames return from Cameroon, Nyamilandu attributed the Flames’ improved performance to changes that were made in the technical panel, citing the drafting in of Marinica as well as the appointment of Britons Ged Searson as data analyst and Clywd Jones as team psychologist.

He said: “The secret was the changes that were made in the technical panel.

“The team was able to play with a purpose and proper system. We are now compact and organised unlike in the past when we were playing without a system or purpose like a school team.”

At the Afcon tournament, the Flames lost their group opener 1-0 to Guinea’s Syli Nationale before coming from a goal down to beat Zimbabwe’s Warriors 2-1. Malawi then held the continent’s top-ranked side Senegal to a goalless draw.

The Flames qualified for the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams and lost to Morocco’s Atlas Lions 2-1 to bow out of the tournament.

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