By Staff Reporter
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has appointed Marian Mario Marinica as Flames coach, replacing Meck Mwase, who has been relieved of his duties.
The decision was made during Fam’s Executive Committee meeting held in Mangochi on Saturday.
Marinica will sign a new contract as Flames’ coach and has been given freedom to choose his backroom staff.
Benjamin Kumwenda has been appointed new Technical Director.
Marinică was born 13 December 1964 and is originally from Romanian .He holds the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest football coaching qualification. He has coached at Romanian clubs Rapid București, Gloria Buzău, Sportul Studenţesc, Argeş Piteşti, Rocar București, and Cimentul Fieni. He has also coached at Kerala Blasters in India, Azam F.C. in Tanzania, Black Leopards in South Africa, Zakho FC in Iraq, and Kaposvári Rákóczi FC in Hungary. In England, he has worked at Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC’s Academies as well as Leyton Orient FC’s School of Excellence. His playing career included spells at Rocar București, Dinamo București and Steaua București.
Marian was the head coach when Malawi participated at the African Cup on Nations where they ended up in the last 16.
Football fans have reacted to the changes , with many believing FAM has made a wrong decision to let Mwase go, but that he hcoukd have been kept in the coaching panel for him to gain experience from the expatriate.