said Nyamilandu. Marinica said it's a huge challenge working for a nation with lots of potential and is very optimistic that within three years, he will achieve what he has been employed for. "Huge challenge to have a small nation with huge talent. My first task is to build structures, scouting network and to receive help and support from all relevant stakeholders to develop the game starting with grassroots football because that’s the basis of football.It won’t be easy because every job has a challenge and I am ready for it. I have once worked with a few Malawian players notably Robert Ng'ambi at Black Leopards and from the onset, you could tell that we have talent in Malawi. I want to help in nurturing the talent not only for the national team but as Ambassadors ready for international market," he said. African Cup of Nations 2021 Having only just been appointed Technical Director, on 6 December it was then announced that he will lead Malawi at the Africa Cup of Nations after the country's football association (Fam) re-organised its technical set-up. The previous manager, Meck Mwase would stay on as First Assistant Coach before resuming his former role after the tournament, when Marinica would return to his Technical Director role. Ahead of the tournament the team held a 10-day camp in Saudi Arabia, as part of a technical partnership with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The camp was affected by Covid, with some players unable to travel, others joining later, and more infected during the camp. Friendlies against Mali and local teams had to be cancelled, although the friendly against Comoros went ahead on 31 December 2021. In Marinica's first game in charge, Malawi beat Comoros 2–1 with goals from Gabadinho Mhango and Khuda Muyaba Marinica named his 28-man squad for the tournament, with 23 in the main squad for the tournament and five as reserves. He called up three uncapped players in goalkeeper Charles Thomu, defender Lawrence Chaziya and midfielder Zebron Kalima, and omitted experienced midfielder Gerald Phiri Jr. from the main squad. Phiri subsequently retired from international football. Commenting on his selection, Marinica said "it was very tough particularly because of the COVID-19 situation. We had quite a number of players who would have made it in the 28-man squad but unfortunately COVID has ruled them out" He outlined his philosophy and approach "of playing fast and