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Malawi national football team, the Flames, have gained five steps on Fifa ranking.
According to the table released by Fifa on Wednesday, the Flames have moved up from February’s 113 to 108 and become Africa’s most improved team.
The Flames, who will on Saturday be taking on Tunisia in the second leg of the World Cup and Africa Nations Cup joint qualifier, have also risen on African ranking from February’s 26 to 25.
Cameroun has maintained its top spot in Africa..
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) president Walter Nyamilandu said it was important for the Flames to win the Tunisia match Saturday to make further gains.
“If we get a better rank, we will benefit because European clubs could come to scout talent from Malawi,” said Nyamilandu.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president Henry ‘Kaka’ Chibowa attributed the gain to the recent 2-1 home win over the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
Chibowa also said the country needs youth development plans if soccer is to improve.
“We have abandoned the Under 14, Under 17, Under 18, Under 20 and Under 23 which we raised players such as Peter Mponda and others. If they go, they will have no replacement because there is no succession plan,” observed Chibowa.
He also said the tendency of changing coaches for the team is not good because “every coach builds his own team and cultivates his own style”.
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