FAM hostel to be ready Feb

FAM has said its Chiwembe Technical Centre hostel, which is being refurbished to hotel standards, will be ready for use February next year.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) head of marketing Dan Tambala said this during the official launch of the Mpira Bar on Friday evening.
“Fifa has already approved the room standards and our plans are that national teams will be camping here thereby cutting costs,” said Tambala.
During the function, FAM also unveiled Soul Foods, a catering and events management company, as the firm that has been subcontracted to run the bar and restaurant.
One of the company’s directors, Mike Chombo, assured patrons that they will operate to the expected standards.
“We thank FAM for trusting us to run this place, we provide quality services and I would like to assure you that we’ll not disappoint,” said Chombo.
The function was graced by current and former Flames stars  including Robert Ng’ambi, Limbikani Mzava, Jimmy Zakazaka, Foster Namwela, McDonald Yobe and Erec Sabwera.
FAM second vice-president Pikawo Ngalamila, corporate partners Carlsberg Malawi senior brands manager [alcoholics] Twikale Chirwa, MBC commercial head Levi Nkunika and other officials such as Big Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire, Southern Region Football League (SRFL) GS George Pagaja and his deputy Kingsley Simbeye were also in attendance.
Chirwa described the development as a step in the right direction in FAM’s ambitious quest to turn commercial, but was quick to say the challenge will be sustenance.
“It is a commendable move. It shows that FAM is making strides in the quest to become self-sustainable, but the challenge will be to sustain these projects,” said Chirwa.
But the launch was marred by a blackout that led to many patrons leaving the place.
One of the patrons Willy Nyirenda said: “FAM should have anticipated a blackout and they should have arranged a gen-set.” n