Footballers’ body pleads for gate collection handling
Football Players Association (FPA) has pleaded with Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Sulom to allow financially struggling active and retired players to manage the gates during matches to enable them earn something through commissions.
FPA chairperson Ojukwu Malunga said this in an interview after their meeting at the BAT Ground in Blantyre last weekend.
He said decided to organise a conference with soccer stakeholders such as FAM and Sulom to thoroughly discuss the matter.
He said the death of Big Bullets defender Douglas Chirambo has been a turning point to move seriously forward with the players’ welfare issues, saying they will do anything possible to fight for their welfare.
“We will meet local football clubs on May 1 to see how we can move forward with this issue. It is better for active and retired players to man the gates during matches so that they can get a commission with which to support their families than let outsiders do the job,” he said.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president Innocent Bottoman said the idea is welcome although it will not be easy with developments that are currently taking place.
“We want to improve the system by getting experts, especially from the banks, to handle gate collections. Moreover, we are also in the process of enhancing the presale of tickets. However, the players’ body’s concern is genuine and we will see how to accommodate them,” said Botomani.
