FAM forms players’ welfare body
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has formed the Players Association of Malawi which will be responsible for players’ welfare.
According to a press release issued by the association yesterday, the development follows an approval by the executive committee at its meeting held recently in Lilongwe.
“Players’ welfare has, in the past, been managed in different aspects and with differing provisions to beneficiaries. Oftentimes, the football family has been reacting to events and well-being occurrences around our players.
“We have lacked a standardised and organised voice that will strategically address social and economic matters that relate to player welfare in Malawi,” reads part of the press release signed by FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda.
“FAM realises that the players are the greatest asset in our setup; therefore, we would like to ensure that the players have adequate and predictable instruments with which they can sustain their livelihood, both during their playing days and after retiring.
“Players’ welfare is one of the strategic pillars in the current administration and the formation of the Players Association of Malawi is a realisation of the objective and its delivery process.”
According to FAM, the newly formed association will operate within the principles of the FIFPro, an independent worldwide professional football players representative body, also known as the players union.
Former Flames captain Peter Mponda hailed FAM for the formation of the players’ welfare body.
“It has been long overdue, but better late than never. The good thing is that it comprises some former and active players who understand what players go through,” he said.
Meanwhile, FAM has appointed Alfred Lungu as the body’s chairperson, his deputy is Mabvuto Missi.
The members are Titha Mandiza, Sungeni Msiska, Chiku Kanyenda, Jimmy Zakazaka, Russell Mwafulirwa, Hellings Mwakasungula, Trouble Kalua, Cosmas Luwanika and Ernest Mangani.
