Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has defended Malawi’s disappointing performance at the 2025 COSAFA Senior Championship in South Africa, insisting the main goal was to expose new players to international football as part of a long-term rebuilding strategy.

Malawi bowed out of the regional tournament in the group stages without scoring a single goal—prompting criticism from fans and pundits alike. The Flames lost 1-0 to Lesotho in their opening match, drew 0-0 with Namibia, and suffered another 1-0 defeat to Angola in their final Group B fixture.

Speaking after the team's return, Pasuwa emphasized that results were not the priority.

“We are building a team that can compete at a higher level in the future. Yes, the results were not good, but we have to think beyond just this tournament,” said Pasuwa.

Pasuwa, who was notably absent from the technical area during the matches, clarified his health status, saying medical advice had kept him off his feet following a recent illness.

“I was advised by my doctors not to stand for extended periods, but I was fully involved in every decision—training sessions, team selection, and game strategy. Coach Peter Mponda was representing the technical panel on the touchline, but everything was coordinated.”

Despite his explanations, some local football analysts are unconvinced.

Sports analyst George Chiusiwa criticized both the team’s performance and the justification given by the coach, calling for a serious introspection by football authorities.

“It’s always the same excuse of building a team, how long will this rebuilding process take? Malawians are tired of hearing this. The Football Association of Malawi must be honest about the   standards of football in this country. Let them reassess the technical direction and player development,” said Chiusiwa.