Argentine Fifa instructor, Alejandro Heredia, has warned against the continued rotation of Malawi National Football Team goalkeepers, saying it was one of the factors hindering the Flames’ consistency.
Heredia said this after concluding a goalkeepers coaches’ course at Mpira Village in Chiwembe on Friday.
“The last recent games I saw Malawi playing, I noted that the goalkeepers were active and strong but the basic techniques are not there. Sometimes the goalkeepers miss aerial balls and this is lack of proper programme,” he said.
Heredia said the role of a goalkeeper has evolved to either player-goalkeeper or goalkeeper-sweeper because they are considered as the hub of moves.
“A goalkeeper has to introduce a repertoire of actions, including ball controlling and passing. Remember, the goalkeeper is not only there to guard the posts but he is the same man starting the line of attack. If Malawi adapts, it could mark the beginning of a new era for goalkeepers,” he said.
The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper said he was impressed with the crop of the participants, who included Sibusiso Padambo, Swadick Sanudi and Vales Kamzele, who are former Silver Strikers, Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers custodians, respectively.
For the past four years, the Flames have failed to identify a regular shot-stopper due to various reasons, including a slump in-form.
The likes of MacDonald Harawa, Simplex Nthala, Charles Swini, Owen Chaima, Richard Chipuwa and Brighton Munthali have had spells at the goalposts.
Sanudi said the training has helped him and he has drafted short and long-term plans.
“Basically, I was training goalkeepers basing on my experience as a player. But the training was ideal,” said the trainer before he left for Namibia to join the Flames at Cosafa Castle Cup.
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