FAM clarifies Kamwendo’s absence

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has said Flames captain Joseph Kamwendo did not snub national duty as reported in the media a few days ago.

FAM competitions officer Gomezgani Zakazaka said yesterday Kamwendo could not travel with the Flames to Rwanda for an international friendly because his passport is with the Mozambican immigration officials following the expiry of his contract with Liga Desportiva Maculmana de Maputo on July 31.

Zakazaka added that Kamwendo could also not make it because of club commitment.

To authenticate the claim, Zakazaka attached on his Facebook wall a letter from Maculmana, which requested FAM not to include Kamwendo on the trip to Rwanda.

The letter reads in part: “We would like to notify the Football Association of Malawi that Kamwendo is having his work permit extended after the first six months expired end of July. His passport, therefore, is with immigration authorities.

“We would, therefore, like to request for Joseph’s presence in a crucial Liga Maculmana game on the 14th (of August) as he will not be able to travel for national duty…and we need your permission to use him as it is a Fifa calendar day.”

However, Zakazaka assured that Kamwendo will be available for the crucial away decisive World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on September 6.

“Kamwendo has great respect for the Flames and is willing to play for the Flames at any time. That is why he forced his team to release him for the Cosafa Cup last month, which was played outside Fifa calendar,” wrote Zakazaka on his wall.

“The player will never snub the country he loves. He is always available when called for duty, but for the Rwanda game, circumstances beyond his control have made him fail to honour the call up. Attached is the letter Liga Maculmana wrote FAM on Kamwendo requesting that he should not come.”