Chipolopolo game free of charge—FAM

Even in the absence of the usual independence celebrations this year, the tradition of making the July 6 games free of charge continues when the (Malawi national football team) Flames host Africa’s kings, Zambia’s Chipolopolo at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Malawi will not have official independence celebrations this year after President Joyce Banda said the current economic environment would not be ideal to spend on the event.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed on Monday that it is government’s tradition to make such games free of charge.

Ministry of Youth and Sports Principal Secretary Alex Mseka shared Nyirenda’s observation.

“When there are independence celebrations, we start with national service of worship, then there is entertainment in the form of dances and an international match. This year, the rest is not there, save for the game,” said Mseka.

Flames veteran supporter Raphael Nasimba welcomed the free game, saying it would offer fans an opportunity to watch the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions.

“I am happy because we are preparing for the Nations Cup qualifying race. I thank government as the Flames cannot achieve anything if they do not play such friendly games. To play Zambia is an achievement as they are the champions,” said Nasimba on Monday.

Zambia, who have drafted in two foreign-based players, are expected to jet in Wednesday, according to FAM.

The association had to seek government’s blessings to go ahead with the match. Government will meet the expenses of hosting the Chipolopolo, who are expected to start camp training on Tuesday.

Game bonus

Meanwhile, the Flames are yet to get their game bonus for last month’s 2-0 victory over Chad in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

According to one of the senior players who asked for anonymity, the players have also not yet received camping allowance for the game.

“We are worried that two weeks after the game, FAM has not yet paid us our dues yet there was an assurance that we would be paid soon,” said the player.

He also said they are worried that they have gone into camp to prepare for Friday’s international friendly match against Zambia without getting their dues.

While confirming the development, Nyirenda played down the issue, saying they are waiting for funding from government.

“We presented the a budget to Sports Council and we are waiting for funding which should come anytime soon,” he said.

In another related matter, FAM is yet to refund Chad Football Federation (CFF) $20 000 (about K5.5 million) it spent for food and accommodation at Sunbird Mount Soche.

“We are also waiting for funding from government to reimburse the Chadians. We already made a commitment to CAF that we will refund them. In fact, they [Chad] already sent us their account details,” he said.

The Flames players get K30 000 (about $120) each for a win and half the amount for a draw.

They also receive K2 000 (about $8) as daily camping allowance.

FACT FILE

—Zambia are positioned 43 against 107 for Flames on current Fifa ranking

—Malawi has not faced Zambia for close to five years

—Chipolopolo are second Cosafa team after South Africa to win the Nations Cup