Govt contemplates funding Flames directly
Malawi Government has disclosed plans to channel national soccer team funding directly to FAM other than through the Malawi National Council of Sports.
Youth and Sports Minister Grace Chiumia said the issue is still being discussed and it will involve Parliament.
“The issue is still in the preliminary stage. It is under discussion, but there is that possibility.
“It is a transition that could take time, but that is the path we want to take,” Chiumia was quoted as saying by the State broadcaster MBC yesterday.
She also commended the performance of the Flames saying there has been notable improvement in recent games.
The minister also appealed to the corporate world to complement government’s efforts in supporting the Flames’ needs.
Reacting to the development, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said it would be a big boost if government was to fund the Flames directly.
“Our counterparts in Zambia have a separate funding for football and netball. So, it will be a big boost because we will be able to present our budget directly,” he said.
The FAM boss further said the development would help government appreciate the national team’s programmes and challenges, saying the K70 million allocated to the Flames is a drop in the ocean.
