FAM releases 2019 calendar
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has released its official calendar of events for 2019 which runs up to December 29.
The association’s competitions and communication director Gomezgani Zakazaka yesterday said the calendar has been released after consultations with all stakeholders; hence, they do not expect a clash of fixtures as was the case in the past, especially with the Super League of Malawi (Sulom).
“We had thorough consultations with all the relevant stakeholders, including Sulom and sponsors and, as such, we expect a smooth flow of events,” he said.
“However, in case a change is applied, the newer version of the calendar will be communicated to all stakeholders.”
Sulom fixtures secretary Patrick Chisale yesterday said they had a fruitful meeting with FAM competitions sub-committee to plan on the calendar.
“We met and gave our input and what remains is for us to complete our part so that we can get started,” he said.
However, a football analyst, Kim Kamau, advised FAM to strictly follow its calendar.
“There have been instances in the past when they [FAM] have released a calendar, but we have still witnessed a clash of fixtures, especially between international and league fixtures.
“So, we hope that has been seriously taken into consideration because in the long run, it negatively affects the clubs. Otherwise, they need to be applauded for releasing the calendar in good time,” he said.
Be Forward Wanderers chairperson Gift Mkandawire said: “This is a good development because it allows clubs time to plan. However, I find the programme to be too tight, giving very little flexibility and I will not be surprised to see the Super League extending to January next year,” he said.
As per tradition, the season will roll out with the Chifundo Charity Shield from March 30 to 31 while the top-flight league as well as the regional leagues will kick off on April 6.
The first round is scheduled to end during the weekend of July 27-28 while the second round will start on August 17 and conclude on December 21.
Final submission of club licensing requirements is slated for March 1 while the Flames’ last 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Morocco will be played on March 23 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The Under-23 joint Afcon and Olympic back-to-back qualifiers against Zambia are slated between March 20 and 26.
The Airtel Top 8 will be launched on March 15 complete with the draw with the final slated for June 29.
The Under-20 First Capital Bank and regional women football leagues will start on April 19 while the first leg of the Championship of African Nations (Chan) preliminary round against e-Swatini is slated for between April 19 and 21 and the return leg on May 12.
Transfer window will close on April 30 and will reopen from August 1 to 28 while the Carlsberg Cup will kick off on May 18-19 at regional level with the finals slated for October 5.
The Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup will run from May 19 to June 1 while Fisd Challenge Cup will run from August 31 to December 15.
