BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s national football team, the Flames Head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has appointed Fischer Anong’a Kondowe as the team’s Fitness Coach, replacing Peter Mgangira, who remains committed to club duties with Silver Strikers.
This is a strategic adjustment to its technical staff ahead of the upcoming Four-Nations tournament in Botswana.
The decision comes after Silver Strikers blocked Mgangira from joining the national team at a critical time when the club is preparing for the 2026/27 season.
Mgangira was scheduled to report for national team duties on Monday, as part of the technical panel preparing the Flames for the regional tournament.
The Four-Nations tournament, set to take place later this month in Botswana, brings together several national teams in a friendly but competitive event designed to sharpen squads ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competitions.
However, when the Flames convened for their first training sessions, Mgangira was noticeably absent from the touchline.
Silver Strikers officials confirmed that their decision was deliberate. According to club spokesperson Patrick Chimimba, the coaching staff’s full attention is required at home to ensure the team is ready for the league kickoff.
“With the FDH Premiership League set to begin on April 25, 2026, releasing our coaches now could disrupt tactical preparations and squad readiness,” Chimimba explained.
This club stance has forced a reshuffle within the national team’s technical setup. Head coach Pasuwa is now expected to lead all training sessions with support from Pritchard Mwansa, who has stepped in to assist with preparations.
The Flames will travel to Botswana hoping to test new player combinations, build momentum and fine tune strategies ahead of AFCON qualifiers.
Sports analyst Ibrahim Phiri praised Pasuwa’s decision to bring in Fischer, calling it “a smart move that protects the national team while respecting club priorities.”
Phiri added that if Fischer performs well, he could be considered for a permanent role, which may prevent future conflicts where clubs block coaches from national team duties.
At the same time, Pasuwa confirmed that defender Blessings Mpokera will not participate in the Four-Nations tournament due to injury.
