FAM seeks minister’s intervention

As desperation takes its toll  regarding Flames funding for fothcoming engagements, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has sought the intervention of Minister of Sports and Culture Grace Chiumia.

This comes in the wake of Malawi National Council of Sports’ (MNCS) rejection of FAM’s proposal for additional funding towards the Flames’ 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier against Zimbabwe Warriors on June 4 as well as the Cosafa Castle Cup to be staged in Windhoek, Namibia from June 11 to 25.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu on Sunday said: “We have sought the intervention of the Ministry of Sports and Culture because I don’t see the reason why we should fail to fulfil national team activities in June when funding will be available in the next financial year starting July.

“Our pride as a nation is at stake and we need to demonstrate goodwill by exploring all possible means. To that effect, I approached the minister and she has promised to pursue the matter with Sports Council.

“We are asking Sports Council to utilise funds for other projects knowing fully well that they can replace it in July when Flames funding is available.”

Chiumia could not be reached for comment yesterday, but Sports Council executive secretary George Jana said they have not made any decisions on the matter yet.

“However, the prospects are not rosy as we have no funds that we can spare,” he said.

According to FAM, they require about K108 million for the Flames’ upcoming engagements.

The Flames were supposed to go into camp yesterday to kick-start their preparations for the Zimbabwe game, but it was delayed due to funding.

Coach Ernest Mtawali on Sunday said he is hoping that funding will be secured to enable the Flames have adequate preparations.

“I am hoping that funding will be secured soon, otherwise the situation is gloomy. We need good preparations to do well against Zimbabwe,” he said.