Belgian Geneugden named Malawi coach

Belgian Ronny van Geneugden has been named as Malawi coach on a two-year deal.

Last week, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) unveiled a local, Gerald Phiri as coach, but he will now deputize for the 48-year old Geneugden.

“Since we parted ways with Ernest Mtawali last year, we have been looking for an expatriate coach for a long time.  We wanted somebody who could match our ambition and someone we could afford—and he (Geneugden) is the one,” Nyamilandu said at a press conference in Blantyre.

“He has vast experience in youth football and at club level in Europe. That experience would be helpful. He impressed us with the level of his skill and knowledge. Ronny will act as a head coach of all national teams since he will be supervising all teams.”

In response, Geneugden said he was determined to improve the performance of the Flames who take on Madagascar over two legs in the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) in a fortnight.

“It is an honour for me to be sitting next to the president of the Malawi FA who is passionate about football. My first target as a coach is to create a style of play. To do this, we need the support of every one including the club coaches,” Geneugden said.

Malawi will also compete against Morocco, Comoros and host Cameroon in the race for the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations.