Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed experienced coach Abel Mkandawire as the women’s national football team mentor.

Mkandawire has been appointed ahead of the Caf Women’s 2020 Olympic qualifying matches against neighbouring Mozambique next month.

Time might not be his best ally, but Mkandawire, the CAF A-Licence holder, is not losing sleep, telling CAFnews.com that he believes in economic training.

“In coaching, you use the time that you have been given. I will do what we call economical training. This is the training that develops technical, tactical, physical and psychological component of football at the same time,” he said.

Mkandawire said that he was determined to make the most of his tenure of office and deliver the goods.

“I promise that I will do my best to produce results. I will provide the girls with the highest level of football within a highly enjoyable atmosphere. It is very important to put the girls in good state of mind. Without that you cannot succeed in football,” he said.

The former assistant coach has replaced as coach Malawi women’s football pioneer player Maggie Chombo Sadik, who has been redeployed to the post of technical advisor.

FAM has maintained Andrew Chikhosi as an assistant coach joined by McNebert Kazuwa whereas Catherine Chikandula remains team manager.

First round, first leg matches would be played on the weekend of April 1 and 9. The overall winner between Malawi and Mozambique date Kenya in the next round.

Malawi rarely participates in qualifiers for international competitions. The She Flames last participated in the regional Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa last year but failed to get past the group qualifying stages.

China-based Tabitha Chawinga is the team’s captain.

By Peter Kanjere