Coaches and team captains for hosts Malawi, Zambia, Kenya and Zimbabwe have said the country delivered a top-class tournament that demonstrated its potential to host a bigger event in the near future.
The coaches and captains made the remarks at the end of the Four Nations Tournament which Malawi hosted at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
It was hosted during the Fifa International Window
This was the first time for Malawi to host a Four Nations Tournament involving senior and junior teams.
However, the juniors’ tournament attracted three teams after the Zambia Under-20 team pulled out at the eleventh hour.
After days of exciting and intriguing football, Kenya’s Harambee Stars emerged champions following their 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe at the same venue.
Hosts Malawi finished last after suffering a 2-1 loss to Zambia’s Chipolopolo.
In their post-match reactions, all the four coaches said they were impressed with the tournament, be it on and off the pitch.
Kenya coach Engin Firat said the tournament surpassed his expectations.
“I like all smiling people here. I have been to many countries but Malawians are special because of their hospitality.
“On the pitch, there were many positives as well— as we prepare for our World Cup qualifying matches,” Firat said.
Kenya defeated Malawi 4-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
During the tournament, they scored seven goals as captain Michael Olunga netted five goals, including a hat trick in the final against Zimbabwe.
Olunga also said all the teams displayed good football.
“It has been an amazing tournament. This is the only way we can improve the level of African football,” he said.
On his part, Flames coach Patrick Mabedi said, despite losing two matches, the tournament was good.
“It was a good tournament. We are very happy with what we saw during the tournament,” Mabedi said.
Captain John Banda, who was an unused substitute in the 2-1 loss to Zambia, said there were several positives to draw from the tournament.
Taking his turn, Warriors coach Norman Mapeza said he was impressed with the quality of football throughout the tournament.
“It was a well-organised tournament. The quality of football was also good,” Mapeza, who was in charge of the Warriors specifically for the tournament, said.
Warriors captain Marshall Munetsi also said the tournament was good as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers.
Warriors beat Zambia 6-5 on post-match penalties in the opening match.
On his part, Zambia coach Avram Grant said the tournament gave him a chance to assess players.
“We have learnt a lot from the tournament,” he said.
Chipolopolo captain Patson Daka, who scored against Malawi, echoed Grant’s sentiments.
“It was an amazing tournament and we all wanted to win,” Daka said.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) First Vice President Madalitso Kuyera, who also served as chairperson for the local organising committee, said the tournament was a success.
“We did our best and we hope to host another tournament in the near future,” he said.
The country has never hosted the Cosafa Men’s Senior Tournament. However, it has hosted Cosafa junior tournaments twice; that is, in 2001 and 2019.
Two years ago, Malawi hosted Region 5 Youth Games in Lilongwe.
