Pasuwa's Appointment as Malawi Flames Coach in Dou...

Pasuwa's Appointment as Malawi Flames Coach in Doubt Amid Selection Concerns

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

The appointment of Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Pasuwa as Malawi’s Flames head coach is uncertain after the Malawi National Council of Sports questioned the transparency of the selection process.

Sports Council spokesperson Edgar Ntulumba told the media they had asked the Football Association of Malawi to clarify how they arrived at the decision to offer Pasuwa a contract, emphasizing on the need for adherence to government recruitment policies. This includes advertising the position to allow for a competitive selection process.

The concerns come after FAM president Fleetwood Haiya confirmed that the executive committee had endorsed Pasuwa’s appointment, offering him a contract. Pasuwa, formerly with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, was selected after a successful stint as interim coach, where he led the Flames to a goalless draw against Burundi and a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Despite this turnaround, Malawi finished bottom of their group with just four points.

FAM had initially engaged Pasuwa following the dismissal of Patrick Mabedi last December due to poor performance in the qualifiers. Pasuwa’s strong credentials, including five consecutive league titles with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets made him a strong candidate.

Meanwhile, Malawi is set to resume its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign next month, facing Namibia in a crucial match. The Flames currently sit fourth in Group H, trailing leaders Tunisia by four points and second-placed Namibia by two points.

Pasuwa’s coaching record includes four consecutive Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League titles with Dynamos FC (2011–2014) and guiding Zimbabwe to the 2017 AFCON. His consistent success across different teams highlights his coaching prowess, yet the uncertainty surrounding his appointment raises questions about the future leadership of the Malawi national team.