Saturday, April 20, 2024
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Malawi soccer fans want FAM boss Nyamilandu out; coach Marinica says wont resign

Soccer Fans calling for Walter Nyamilandu's ouster

Following the embarrassing defeat of the Flames going 4 goals to nil in the hands of the ruthless Pharaohs of Egypt  at Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday, disgruntled soccer fans were seeing carrying placards, denouncing the leadership at the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) calling for the boss Walter Nyamilandu’s ouster. Nyamilandu has been almost like a life FAM President and has a system which sees him every re-election bid.

On Flames’ Head Coach, Marian Mario Marinica’s resignation, the coach says he will not resign.  The Romanian told a media briefing after the match that he is equally devastated by the humiliation, but he will not be forced to resign and will wait for his contract to end in the first week of April.

The Flames’ chances of qualifying for next year’s continental showpiece in the Ivory Coast have been shattered by the 4-0 drubbing by the seven-time champions who have moved into second with 9 points from four games.

Marinica also took a swipe at local fans for what he termed unpatriotic behavior after a section of them gave Liverpool ace, Mohammed Salah, a standing ovation and booed their own players. Meanwhile, before the match, some fans were seen carrying placards that had messages calling for the resignation of the coach and FAM President, Walter Nyamilandu.

Minister of Local government who was Minister of Sports Richard Chimwendo did not hide his frustration.

“I miss Meke Mwase. I miss the fighting spirit of our Young Players. Honestly this is total embarrassment,” said Chimwendo.

Commenting on the same, top Journalist Idriss Ali Nassah also weighed on the growing demands to have Walter Nyamilandu ousted”

He wrote:
The scenes at the stadium today weren’t a spontaneous outburst of a people’s frustration. What we saw was premeditated, sponsored and carefully staged by a yet invisible hand. Banners are not like urine, they just don’t appear; they have to be designed and printed and delivered/collected, sometimes days in advance. If ever there was any doubt, it is now clear that Walter Nyamilandu has some quality enemies in high places and they are coming for him…”

 

 

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