Malawi football lacks development structure, says Kinah Phiri

Former Malawi National Football Team Coach and prolific striker, Kinah Phiri, has voiced strong concerns over the absence of a proper structure in Malawian player development, attributing it to the national team’s struggling performances.

Phiri’s remarks come in the wake of the Flames’ dismal showing at this year’s COSAFA Cup in South Africa, where they failed to secure a win or score a single goal in three games.

The Flames, who returned to Malawi on Wednesday via Chileka Airport, endured one of their worst COSAFA Cup campaigns, drawing one match and losing two. This poor performance has reignited debates about the foundational issues plaguing Malawian football.

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Phiri, a legendary figure who netted 71 goals for the National Team during his playing career, emphasized the urgent need for football academies to nurture young talent, particularly attacking players.

“We have good players but we need to have more academies,” Phiri told Times Radio. “Nowadays, players are starting playing for the National Team and Super League when they have already reached their peak.”

He stressed the importance of grooming players from a young age to ensure they reach their full potential before hitting the national stage.

Echoing Phiri’s sentiments, Flames Assistant Coach Peter Mponda also acknowledged the team’s struggles with goal-scoring, despite otherwise positive performances.

“It has been the same story from three games—playing good football, creating chances but not taking them,” Mponda lamented.

He highlighted the painful 1-0 loss where the team conceded from a single set-piece, underscoring the harsh reality of football where missed opportunities are often punished.

Despite the disappointing results, Mponda was keen to identify the positives, particularly the invaluable experience and exposure gained by the younger members of the squad.

“It was a good tournament, especially since we have a new team and we are still building it. It really gave us the feeling of how it is out there and exposure to the young lads that are coming,” he explained.

While admitting that the results were not favorable, Mponda maintained that the team’s performance showed promise, offering a foundation to build upon for future campaigns.