FAM plans to hire full-time coaches
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has unveiled ambitious plans to hire full-time national teams’ coaches.
The local football governing body’s president Walter Nyamilandu said the move is aimed at ensuring that the coaches “are dedicated to their jobs and spend more time scouting for top-notch talent and [also] developing it”.
Currently, apart from Flames mentor Ronny van Geneugden (RVG), the others operate on a part-time basis.
Meke Mwase doubles as head coach for the Under-23 and Under-20 while DeKlerk Msakakuona is the head coach for Under-17.
Nyamilandu said the development is part of FAM’s strategic plan which will come into effect this year as they prepare for the Under-20 and Under-17 Africa Youth Championships which will start next year.
On where they will source funding for the coaches’ perks, the FAM president said: “Funding is a challenge, but we are determined to overcome this so that our plan should materialise.
“Our vision will lead us to mobilise the required resources; hence, funding shouldn’t be a blocker,” he said.
Seasoned coach Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman said while the move is commendable, funding could still pose a challenge for FAM.
“Unless they find a partner, it will be a pipedream because government cannot commit to meet the perks for all the coaches, including the senior team.
“Otherwise, that is the way to go because FAM keeps on talking about development programmes and; hence, the need to hire full-time coaches to ensure continuity.
“The advantage of hiring a full-time coach is that there is commitment as they are focused on their core duties other than part-time coaches who might be torn between national team and club commitments.
Full-time coaches also have time to draw up programmes for the long-term,” he said.
The development comes after FAM’s plan to hire Gerald Phiri and Deklerk Msakakuona as permanent assistant coaches to RVG, hit a snag as government did not approve its request.
Just over a month ago, Zambia Football Association (FAZ) also advertised positions of Under-23, Under-20 and Under-17 national teams on permanent basis.
Part of the advert, under role description which appeared in the Zambian press, reads: “The positions of Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 coaches for the Zambia Football Association are full-time positions which will refine and lead the age group coaches under the authority of the general secretary and in compliance with the aims, objectives and values of the association.”
It further stated that general responsibilities will include teaching relevant skills, tactics and techniques; monitoring and enhancing performance by providing coaching, encouragement and constructive feedback; identifying strengths and weaknesses, advising about health and lifestyle issues, developing training programmes; undertaking administrative tasks and assisting with sports promotion development.
