FAM puts conditions on pledges to Flames

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has said individuals and companies that make pledges for the Flames will now have to sign a gurantee with the association to ensure they fulfil their promises.

The association’s position comes after several companies and individuals disappeared after promising money and other incentives for the Flames following the team’s qualification to the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon in January.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu confirmed that six months after receiving several offers while at Afcon, the Flames are yet to get them.

The association tried to ‘name and shame’ the defaulters who still owe the Flames K15 million, but had a sudden change of heart.

Nyamilandu said: “This is very unfortunate. We have given up on chasing them. Their integrity and consciousness is at stake.”

With the Flames on the verge of qualifying for the Africa Nations Champions (Chan) final after a 1-1 draw against Mozambique in last qualifying round first leg, the pledges are back.

But Nyamilandu said this time,they will not tolerate individual and companies that only want to exploit the Flames brand.

“We will ensure that their pledges are binding by making them sign an undertaking or deposit cash with us as a guarantee.”

While pledges for the national team act as motivation, there have been concerns that demotivate the players if not fulfilled or done in good faith and that those made to players who will score, also undermine the contribution of team work.

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda felt the best way to deal with the situation was to ensure the Flames allowances are adjusted upwards to the point that the pledges will not be necessary.

He said: “First we have to understand that the pledges are made to complement what the players get from FAM. If the players were getting fat bonuses, there would be no need for pledges. By increasing the Flames allowances, FAM will be able to say, no more pledges for the Flames.”

Meanwhile, the association has said it will consider upping the team’s game bonuses after the two-legged qualifier.

Nyamilandu said: “We treat it as a normal match where the players are entitled to a game bonus and exercise our discretion to reward them after qualification.”

Malawi has never qualified for the Chan tournament which was introduced in 2007 to promote local players.

Last edition, the Flames were knocked out by e-Swatini in the last edition of the competition after a 1-1 draw at Kamuzu Stadium.

e-Swatini held Malawi to a goalless draw in Manzini and went on to take a lead at Kamuzu Stadium before Micium Mhone’s late equaliser which was not enough as the visitors proceeded on away goal rule.

The Chan tournament was originally scheduled to be played from July 10 to August 1 2022.

However, Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on 10 September 2020 that the tournament had been rescheduled to January 2023, following the postponement of the 2020 Chan to 2021 and the 2021 Afcon to 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Algeria will host the tournament.