Kinnah Phirri the new Malawi boss has coached in South Africa
The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has named former international striker Kinnah Phiri as the country's next national football coach.
Phiri replaces Englishman Stephen Constantine, who resigned from the job last month after a year in charge.
Fam President Walter Nyamirandu Manda told BBC Sport that Phiri has resigned as coach of South African club Free State Stars.
It is thought he has signed a two year contract.
The Flames are in camp preparing for this weekend's friendly international against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
"We've opted for local coaches because the previous two foreigners have not delivered to the expectations of the soccer-hunger Malawians," Nyamirandu said.
He also disclosed that former Flames international Young Chimodzi has been named as Phiri's assistant.
Constantine resigned after 13 months in charge
Former defender Jack Chamangwana has been appointed technical director.
"It was felt that we have very good local coaches that if given a chance and all the support, they may bring back Malawi's lost glory," he said.
According to Fam, Phiri was chosen mostly because of his recent performance in the South African Premier Soccer League.
Under Phiri, Free State Stars finished 5th in the PSL in the just ended season.
Neither Constantine nor his predecessor Burkhard Ziese saw through their contracts after failing to bring better results.
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