Marinica Fired

By Antony Isaiah Jr/Hosea Banda………..

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has parted ways with embattled Flames mentor Mario Marian Marinica after a poor string of results that have left many sports enthusiasts disappointed with the team.

Marinica’s tenure culminated with below-par performances in the 2023 TotalEnergies African Cup Of Nations qualifiers against Egypt where the Flames shipped in 6 goals in two games.

In a statement today 1st April, FAM says by mutual agreement, the 58-year-old will leave the post after the expiry of his contract on April 30.

Reads the statement in part; “FAM wishes to announce that by mutual consent, it has been agreed with Mr. Mario Marinica not to enter into negotiations for the 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 will leave 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 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.”

The development comes after FAM President, Walter Nyamilandu said the association was concerned about the dismal performance of the Flames in the Qualifiers.

Malawi has played four games with only one win losing three times and is slumped at the bottom of the four-team table with three points scoring two goals while conceding 8 goals in the process.