The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has officially unveiled Kalisto Pasuwa as the new head coach of the Malawi national football team, the Flames.
The former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Zimbabwe national team mentor has signed a two-year contract, with high expectations to transform Malawi’s football landscape.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya expressed confidence in Pasuwa’s ability to elevate Malawian football on the international stage.
Haiya emphasized that Pasuwa’s appointment followed a thorough recruitment process involving key football stakeholders, including the Coaches Association, the technical team, and the FAM Executive Committee.
“Today is a very important and historic day. When we started this journey with Kalisto Pasuwa, we knew what he has achieved in this country. It cannot be disputed that he is one of the best coaches in the land. The decision to appoint him as a full-time coach was a collective and unanimous one by the Executive Committee,” said Haiya.
FAM has set clear performance-based targets for Pasuwa, including qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a top priority.
Additionally, he is expected to win at least three of the remaining six 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and lead the Flames to a successful COSAFA Cup campaign within the two-year contract period.
Haiya further highlighted that Pasuwa’s role will extend beyond the senior team, as he will also be responsible for mentoring junior coaches and developing a distinct playing philosophy for Malawian football.
“This appointment marks the beginning of a new era where we want to build a strong football identity. We believe Pasuwa’s full-time commitment will be crucial in realizing this dream,” added Haiya.
In his remarks, Pasuwa acknowledged the advantage of his familiarity with Malawi’s football structure, players, and coaching environment.
He expressed his commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to achieve the set targets.
“I have been in Malawi for a while and understand the culture and needs of Malawian players. This is not a one-person job; we need to work together. My ambition is to take Malawi back to AFCON, and with the right approach and teamwork, I believe we can achieve this goal,” said Pasuwa.
His appointment, which earlier faced resistance from the Malawi National Council for Sports (MNCS) which questioned the recruitment process has been approved following the latter’s clearance that FAM should engage the Zimbabwean tactician.
Pasuwa who previously enjoyed a successful tenure with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, making him a highly regarded figure in Malawian football was appointed Flames caretaker coach in November 2024 following the sacking of Patrick Mabedi drew against Burundi 0-0 before a historic 3-0 win at home against Burkina Faso in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Last week Pasuwa announced his backstaff which include Bullets Head coach Peter Mponda, Mighty Wanderers First assistant coach MacDonald Nginde Mtetemera and Moyale Barracks’ head coach Pritchard Mwansa.
