Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has many scores to settle when leading Malawi’s Flames into Saturday’s away decisive World Cup qualifying battle against Africa kings Nigeria.
Nigeria Football Federation sacked Saintfiet as technical director a few years ago only to rub salt on his wounds last week when the Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi allegedly attacked the Malawi mentor racially.
Therefore, going into the Group F game at UJ Usuene Stadium in Nigerian city of Calabar, Saintfiet is unhappy that his concerns about Calabar security earned him alleged racist attacks.
The remarks forced the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to lodge a complaint to Fifa which has since acknowledged receipt of the letter. FAM earlier wrote Fifa expressing security fears in Calabar. Apparently, Saintfiet once worked as Nigeria Football Federation technical director.
“We can confirm that we have received a complaint on the said matter, but please understand that we cannot comment any further at this stage,” Fifa Media Department confirmed FAM’s complaint on racism on Friday.
On the pitch there is more battle. At stake in this meeting Group F is a place in the final two-legged qualifying phase is a place at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil. Saintfiet could also earn permanent Malawi job if he beats Nigeria.
On seven points, Malawi trails Nigeria by two points and need nothing short of a win to be among the 10 top group leaders to slug it out in the final qualifying round for the five World Cup places.
Malawi are ranked 118 and have never qualified for the World whereas Nigeria, who just need a draw, are ranked 35th in the world and boast World Cup experience under their belts.
“Nigeria are a good team, we respect them but I have good players who can do the job. I would have to be stupid to come to Malawi and say we cannot beat Nigeria,” Saintfiet vowed.
So bold is Saintfiet he has dropped captain Joseph Kamwendo and recalled Tawonga Chimodzi who is expected to be the team’s creative hub with Robert Ng’ambi providing the attacking threat as a second striker behind Atusaye Nyondo.
Saturday’s game also marks the end of Tom Saintfiet’s two-month ‘voluntary’ tenure. FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda on Wednesday said Saintfiet would return to Malawi after the game in Nigeria.
“A decision on the future of the coach and the technical panel will be made. It is expected that the coach will return home with the rest of the delegation on 9th September 2013 pending decision of the executive committee,” Nyirenda said.
Saintfiet jetted in from Belgium on July 5 amid controversy after FAM earlier claimed it would extend the tenure of caretaker coaches Eddington Ng’onamo, Patrick Mabedi and Ernest Mtawali.
FAM eventually revealed the hiring of Saintfiet as a volunteer only entitled to $10 000 for a win against Nigeria, free accommodation and transport. This happened at a time when FAM had not resolved a row among players who wanted a raise from the current K30 000 [$80) for a win.
Saintfiet, who accuses the local media of writing propaganda against him, withdrew the appearance fee demand due to pressure. He worked previously in Namibia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Asia.
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