FAM committee recommends permanent coach for Scorchers

Football  Association of Malawi (FAM) emergency committee has recommended the establishment of a permanent coach post for the Scorchers.

The committee, which comprises the association’s president Walter Nyamilandu,  first vice-president Jabbar Alide, second vice-president Othaniel Hara and executive committee member Chimango Munthali, made the recommendation during a meeting held on Saturday.

Reads part of the statement released by FAM yesterday: “To ensure the sustained progress and development of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, the committee has resolved to recommend the establishment of a permanent Scorchers’ coach position.

“This coach will be in charge of the Scorchers on a full-time basis. The committee has resolved to propose to government the recruitment of Lovemore Fazili for this position, with a two-year contract in mind.

“It is worth noting that currently, government support includes remuneration for the men’s senior national team as well as the Under-20 and Under-17 boys national teams.”

 The statement further says the establishment of a permanent Scorchers coach position is expected to contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the team.

Commenting on the issue in an interview yesterday, Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire described the proposal as a welcome development.

He said: “It is a welcome idea and something acceptable. Once, the proper channels are followed, my ministry should be able to approve that.

“As long as FAM takes full responsibility of the recruitment process, including signing of the contracts as discussed earlier, there should be no problems in implementing that.

“As I earlier said, the reason why we want  FAM to be responsible for the process is to avoid the complications that arise when there is a conflict. Government should just be providing the funds.”

Fazili said working on a full-time basis would help in a number of areas.

He said: “When a coach is working on full-time basis, he or she is able to fully concentrate on the tasks and come up with long-term plans such as talent identification and development.

“The coach is also devoted other than working on part-time basis.”

However, Fazili, who led the Scorchers to their first-ever Cosafa Women’s Championship glory last week, said accepting the role would depend on what will be offered.

“I am currently on a contract with FAM, which expires this December. So, we’ll have to wait for the particulars,” he said.