FAM divided on coaches contract

FAM politburo is reportedly divided on extending contracts for Flames coaches Young Chimodzi and Jack Chamangwana when their current tenure run its course next month.

While some feel the duo should be given the benefit of the doubt, sources privy to the contracts said some FAM executive committee members have reservations on the tactics of the trainers who have presided over a win against Chad, losses to Tanzania, the Sao, Zimbabwe and barren draw with the Taifa Stars.

“There is no tactical approach to the game, but July’s executive committee meeting will map the way forward,” said the source.

But FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda and technical sub-committee vice- chairperson Pikao Ngalamila yesterday dismissed such reports, noting that only the next month’s executive committee meeting will decide on the coaches.

“Their contracts will be reviewed soon. We respect people’s opinions. In the technical committee, we have diverse opinion.” explained Ngalamila who deputises Moses Mkandawire.

The coaches’ contracts will be reviewed after two legged meetings against Benin from July 18, but negotiations with government had started, according to Ngalamila.

“We negotiate with government for positions [of coaches] and not individuals, the process started and there are deadlines to be met and we will respect them. There is a package being negotiated for. They will tell us their expectations and we will also give our expectations,” he concluded.

Jameson Ndalama, sports director in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said they would respect FAM and the Sports Council’s assessment of the coaches.

“We expect them to submit a document as the coaches contracts end in July by now we should have received them, but we understand that they were pre-occupied,” Ndalama explained.

Chimodzi yesterday said he would meet FAM leadership later this month over their future with the team whereas Chamangwana opted not to comment on questions about their future and tactics.

Football analyst Charles Nyirenda recently said coaches need more time.