Ex-Chiefs skipper fired as Malawi coach

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Patrick Mabedi has been fired as Malawi coach midway into his two-year contract following a cocktail of defeats.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) confirmed Mabedi’s exit after five straight defeats in all competitions.

FAM says it decided to release the ex-Chiefs coach “based on the recommendations from the Technical Committee following the dismal performance of the Flames and subsequent failure to qualify for the Total Energies Afcon 2025.”

The last straw was the recent 0-1 home loss to Senegal which ended the Flames’ qualifying chances for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.

FAM hired the ex-Black Leopards assistant coach as the Flames handler on a two-year contract last October.

The former defender had then impressed in a caretaker role, posting three wins, two draws and two defeats after replacing his boss Mario Marinica, whose contract was not renewed beyond April 2023.

However, the former Moroka Swallows coach’s permanent tenure produced a dismal two wins, a draw and eight losses in 11 games in all competitions.

Mabedi, who became unpopular after discarding experienced players, has left the Flames bottom of Group L of the Afcon qualifiers without a point after playing four games.

Group leaders Senegal booked their place at the next Afcon finals after beating the Flames.

FAM will choose an interim coach while hunting for Mabedi’s replacement.