FAM expects corporate world support

FAM and Malawi Government say they are counting on the corporate world to get on board and support the Flames having revived their 2014 World Cup campaign.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu and Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana on Monday said having put their campaign back on track following the 1-0 win over Namibia’s Brave Warriors, the juicy dream to qualify for the global showcase to be staged in Brazil is possible although there will still be one more hurdle to clear even if they finish top of the group.

The Flames are now joint top of Group F with reigning African champions Nigeria on five points, but the Super Eagles have a better aggregate.

However, Nyamilandu and Chihana were quick to point out that for such a dream to be realised, there is need for the team to undergo thorough preparations; hence, the need for the corporate world to get on board and support the cause.

Said Nyamilandu: “The team needs thorough preparations and adequate exposure to friendly matches to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

“I hope the win will encourage the corporate world to come on board and support the cause and also inspire our traditional sponsors [government] to pump in more resources so that the team can excel. We are planning to intensify our search for corporate partners for the national team although it has proved difficult.

“We hope this will encourage the sponsors to support the team, thereby marketing their respective brands. I am pleased that the Botswana friendly was not in vain because it was worthwhile.”