Government pleads with coaches on arrears

Government, through the Ministry of Sports and Culture, has pleaded with Flames coach Ernest Mtawali and his assistant Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan to exercise patience over the delay to pay them salary arrears for three months.

The duo’s patience is reportedly wearing thin.

“We have spoken to the coaches and assured them that on our part, we are trying our best to have their payments effected.

“Government has so many financial needs and we have sought their [coaches] understanding to exercise a little bit of patience,” said Ministry of Sports and Culture spokesperson Christopher Mbukwa yesterday.

He said what remains now is the Office of the Accountant General to effect payment.

“Actually this morning we have sent somebody to find out what exactly is holding the payment. However, they [coaches] need to understand that government is not an NGO [non governmental organisation] with just a few people. It has other priorities.

“It has thousands and thousands of other employees such teachers, doctors and police officers. It is not like you walk into an accountant’s office and get paid, it is a process,” he said.

Mtawali yesterday confirmed having spoken to a government official.

“It is not my intention to comment on contractual issues in the press, but yes I can confirm that I was contacted by a government official this morning on the matter who was updating me on the situation on the ground.

“We raised the issue [again] with the relevant authorities a few days ago as we felt there was no tangible progress,” said Mtawali.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said in such situations, they outlay a loan to the coaches for their day-to-day living.

“It usually puts FAM in a fix and we have to assist where we can. Their wellbeing is critical to their morale and performance and we wish this was resolved in good time to provide an enabling working environment,” he said.