Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KALISTO Pasuwa became the second Zimbabwean to be appointed coach of a foreign national team when he was unveiled as the Malawi national side gaffer yesterday.
He follows in the footsteps of Shepherd Murape who was the first local coach to take charge of a foreign national team.
Murape was appointed Namibia head coach soon after the country’s Independence.
Pasuwa was unveiled after sealing a two-year deal to lead the Flames yesterday.
There had been some bickering in the build-up to his milestone appointment but in the end the parties involved found each other and agreed to proceed with Pasuwa’s installation.
“Obviously coaching a national team is always an honour. I am very happy and ready to take up the responsibility,” Pasuwa said.
“Malawi have a lot of potential. I wish to bring discipline, tactical awareness and a winning mentality.
“We will build a team that competes fearlessly at all levels. That is what we intend to do.”
Football Association of Malawi president, Fleetwood Haiya, said:
“We wanted a coach who understands Malawian football and has a proven track record of success,” said Haiya.
“Pasuwa’s achievements with Big Bullets and Zimbabwe speak for themselves. We are confident he will bring stability and progress to the Flames.”
Lead negotiator for the deal. Dee Shorai Muchineripi, said:
“The negotiations went on well and this day is an important day not only to the coach but everyone in the football ecosystem both in Malawi and here in Zimbabwe.
“We are grateful to FAM, Malawi National Council of Sports, and the Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Youth and Sport for trusting Callisto with the Flames.
“His focus is no longer on contractual issues but assignments ahead of him.
“Malawi has always been his home and is not new to the demands of the people of Malawi having coached one of the most followed teams in the Malawi Premiership, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.”
Muchineripi said the former Dynamos gaffer has to immediately get down to work.
