FAM, others set 2020 targets
FAM says qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is among its top targets this year.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said this when he was asked about the association’s targets in the new year.
“It will not be easy, it will take a lot of effort and hardwork, but it is possible,” he said.
Flames last qualified for Afcon in 2010. They are currently third in Group B with three points from two games, a point behind joint leaders Uganda and Burkina Faso while South Sudan anchor the four-team group with no point.
Nyamilandu said another target is increasing the association’s revenue from “complemented by a robust commercialisation drive over and above grants received from Fifa, Malawi Government and sponsors”.K1.6 billion to K2 billion
“Progressively improving our Fifa rankings towards double digits by performing extremely well in Afcon and 2022 World Cup qualifiers, will also be a priority.
“We also want to consolidate sponsored competitions and lobby for increased sponsorship to exceed the mark of K100 million,” he said.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Khungekile Matiya said setting up a secretariat within the first quarter of the year, the Under-21 national netball team’s qualification for the 2021 Netball World Youth Cup and securing sponsorships for junior and senior regional leagues will be their top priorities.
“We also want to ensure that the Queens should rise on the World Netball rakings by playing a number of test matches and also conducting clinics for administrators, umpires and coaches,” she said
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said securing at least two new rings and increasing the number of women boxers will be their priorities this year.
“The rings that we are currently using are substandard and, therefore, we want to ensure that we should secure a few news ones by hook or crook.
“In 2019, we won two international belts through Ellen Simwaka and Hannock Phiri. This year we are targeting more. We are also looking at organising clinics for ringside officials,” he said.
Athletics Association of Malawi general secretary Frank Chitembeya said their target is to win at least a medal at major global competitions such as the World Cross Country Championship, World Under-20 Games and 2020 Olympics.
“As you know, our athletes have never won a medal at prestigious global events for decades, but we are determined to do it in 2020,” he said.
Chitembeya added that they target to rope in more youthful athletes.
