By Blessings Kaunda
Mzuzu, Mana: Former Flame’s and Mighty Wanderers striker, Gift Makoloni has said he will start coaching course in Ireland after a long break in football since 2004.
Speaking from Ireland in an interview with Malawi News Agency, Makoloni said after retiring from football he relocated to Ireland for greener pasture.
He said he has seen how football is growing in Malawi, hence the idea of becoming a coach so that he could in future contribute to the development of the football in the country.
“I feel obliged to do something for my country. I know that my coaching career will benefit a lot of young talented footballers in my country,” said Makoloni.
Makoloni further said Malawi put him on the map saying it is now time for him to pay back by grooming young football players through coaching.
“I am where I am today because of Malawi Football so I want to do a little something to support football development.
I have approached few people here in Ireland who have promised to help me with sporting materials such as sports attire, balls among others and will send these to Malawi,” he said.
Makoloni then urged secondary school students to work hard in their academic studies as well as in sporting disciplines.
Makoloni started his professional football career with Civo Service United FC when he was at at Mitundu Secondary School then played for wanderers and lastly he ended with Silver strikers.
Former Civil Service United FC and Flames player, Peterkins Kaira said Football Association of Malawi (FAM) should be flexible to hire ex-players who have potential in football coaching.
“FAM and football administrators and coaches are supposed to be recommending players who demonstrate to have the potential of becoming football coaches to coaching trainings.
“For example when I was playing for Civo Service United FC in 1986, I was sent to a coaching course under Zolo Msiska,” Kaira said.
He said players are motivated when they are being coached by a coach who was at one time a prolific footballer.
“I therefore commend Makoloni for his aspiration especially that he wants train as a coach a in a country which is advanced in football, he is going to be an asset to football development in Malawi,” he said.