Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa Stella Hauya Ndau has urged Malawi National Football Team players to be exemplary on and off the pitch.

She made the remarks after paying a courtesy call on the team at Garden Court Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa, hours after the team exited the 2025 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers following a 2-0 loss to Bafana Bafana at Loftus Stadium Sunday.

Ndau said Malawi has a lot of talented players but that the majority of them do not reach their potential due to lack of discipline.

“Discipline is the key to success. Most of the players become big headed when they start playing for the national team; they do not respect their seniors and, eventually, they lose track,” Ndau said.

She urged the players to focus more on activities that can help their careers to grow.

“Avoid alcohol and drug abuse. As Flames players, many youngsters look at you as role models; so, let us be exemplary,” Ndau said.

Furthermore, she told the players to follow the footsteps of some of Flames legends such as Peter Mponda, Kinnah Phiri and Young Chimodzi Snr.

Earlier in the day, she watched the match between Malawi and South Africa at Loftus Stadium.

Head of Delegation Patrick Kapanga echoed the High Commissioner’s sentiments, saying discipline was important.

“It is important to exercise discipline all the time. Only disciplined players thrive in their careers,” Kapanga said.

Meanwhile, Kapanga has hailed Malawians living in South Africa for turning up in their large numbers to cheer the team.

“We did not expect such a huge crowd. It was like we were playing at home. The fans were marvellous.

“We appreciate what they did during our stay in Pretoria,” Kapanga said.

The Flames arrived in the country Monday.