Tag Archives: former Malawi football team coach Kinnah Phiri

Malawi, Sports

Kinnah Phiri ready for national team, foreign clubs Only

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a surprising turn of events, former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has announced that he is open to returning to coaching after the recent leadership changes at the Football Association of Malawi.

However, Phiri has made it clear that he will only consider coaching the national team or foreign clubs, ruling out any possibility of coaching local clubs in Malawi.

Phiri’s decision comes after he had previously declared that he would never coach in Malawi again following his dismissal as the Flames coach in 2012.

The unfair treatment he received at the time left a bitter taste in his mouth, but the recent changes at FAM have made him reconsider his stance.

Speaking about his change of heart, Phiri stated, “I said I would not coach in Malawi again, but now I have withdrawn those words. With the changes at FAM, I am open to coaching, but only at the national team level or with foreign clubs. The job I currently have is significant, and I am only willing to make an exception if they require my mentorship.”

Phiri is currently serving as the deputy director of sports at the Ministry of Sports, a role that he values greatly.

His experience and expertise in the field of sports administration have been beneficial in his current position, and he sees it as an opportunity to make a larger impact on the sports scene in Malawi.

Despite his reluctance to coach local clubs, Phiri’s track record as a coach speaks for itself.

He was the second-ever coach to lead Malawi to the African Cup of Nations in 2010, a remarkable achievement that showcased his coaching abilities on a national stage.

Phiri’s willingness to return to coaching, albeit under specific conditions, has sparked discussions among football enthusiasts in Malawi.

Many are eager to see him back on the sidelines, guiding the national team to further success or taking on new challenges with foreign clubs.

As the football landscape in Malawi continues to evolve, Phiri’s potential return to coaching adds an intriguing element to the conversation.

Whether he ultimately decides to step back into the coaching arena remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Kinnah Phiri’s passion for the game and commitment to excellence are unwavering.

Sports

eSwatini giants to hire former flames coach Kinnah Phiri

Maravi Post Reporter
eSwatini giants to hire Kinnah Phiri

The former Malawi football team coach Kinnah Phiri is reportedly on his way to eSwatini, formerly Swaziland, where that country’s Premier League giants Mbabane Swallows have offered him a short-term contract.

According to The Daily Times Kinnah, whose last coaching job was at Mochudi Chiefs in Botswana, was not readily available for comment Thursday, but Swallows General Manager, Sandile Zwane, did.

“Yes, we are hiring him on short-term [basis]. Actually, [we are hiring him] for Africa tournament as our coach is suspended,” Zwane said in a texted response to The Daily Times.

National Football Coaches Association General Secretary, Dave Mpima, Thursday said he was not aware of Kinnah’s offer in eSwatini. Malawian Charles Manda also coaches in eSwatini.

eSwatini leading newspaper, Times of Swaziland, has also confirmed Swallows’ offer to Kinnah.

Swallows were drawn against Simba of Tanzania in the 2019 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League but Caf suspended their coach Thabo Vilakati two months ago after reportedly attacking a ball-boy during a Champions League game against Clube Desportivo of Angola.

That Swallows opted for the Malawi’s all-time leading scorer (with 67 goals) is unsurprising. In his twilight, Kinnah played for, before coaching, another eSwatini side Manzini Wanderers in 1982.

Zwane alluded to these facts: “He is familiar with our football. He has a lot of respect among [sic] our players and supporters. He has a lot of experience in football.”

Kinnah sneaked out to eSwatini in frustration after then Malawi football authorities refused to clear him to sign a big money move to a Saudi Arabian team.

Eventually, Kinnah coached Manzini, paving the way for his appointment as deputy eSwatini coach. Kinnah returned home to coach Bullets in 2001. He made his name at the People’s Team as a prolific scorer.

Kinnah also coached Mbeya City FC in Tanzania, months after parting ways with Free State Stars of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, a team that also holds him in high esteem having had three stints with them.

Kinnah hit the headlines a few weeks ago when he issued a press release disputing reports that he had joined opposition UTM.

He attended the political party’s rally in Mzuzu and announced that he was joining them, only for him to make a U-turn, saying he was a member of the Democratic Progressive Party.

Kinnah also told the press that the government had earmarked him for a post of football director.