Malawi's Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has been in South Africa since Thursday last week monitoring the performance of his players in the National First Division and the Absa Premiership.

According to Football Association of Malawi, they assigned the former Free State Stars' mentor to travel to South Africa so he can have a clear picture of how his charges are faring.

"We wanted the coach to watch the players in training, talk to club coaches so he can have an informed opinion before deciding who to call for the forthcoming international engagements," FAM chief executive officer Charles Nyirenda tells KickOffcom in Blantyre.

Kinnah's trip to South Africa comes amid concerns in Malawi over lack of game time for most Flames' regulars, especially those in the Absa Premiership.

Phiri was scheduled to meet members of Orlando Pirates coaching panel during his trip to hear their views on winger Joseph Kamwendo who has been out of action since the start of the season.