FAM set to part ways with Manda for insubordination
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is set to part ways with its technical development officer Charles Manda for what it calls insubordination.
FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying the issue has been referred to their legal adviser for advice.
“When he (Manda) started coaching Mighty Wanderers, I called him and advised him that he was not supposed to work for any other institution be it temporary or permanent, but unfortunately, he displayed open defiance.
“I followed it up with a letter to that effect and he did not respond. This was total defiance and the issue was referred to the executive and he was given three days to make up his mind,” said Nyirenda.
The FAM CEO further said Manda excused himself that he was going to attend a funeral outside Blantyre and did not report for duties for almost a week, “but during the same period, I saw him going to BAT Ground and the assumption was that he was going there for Wanderers training.”
However, Manda yesterday said before he lost his father in-law, on May 2, he had already applied for leave to give the controversy surrounding his involvement with Wanderers, a considerable thought.
“I applied for a 15-day leave that was supposed to run from May 2-30, coincidentally, that was the same day I lost my father-in-law. My assumption was therefore, that it had been approved,” he said.
But Nyirenda said Manda’s leave was not approved because his line boss was not aware.
“Actually what happens when someone applies for leave is that his or her line boss is supposed to endorse before it comes to me which never happened. In fact, it turned out that his immediate boss the TD (technical director) John Kaputa was not aware. So, how could he have proceeded on leave without approval, is that what happens at The Nation perhaps?” asked Nyirenda.
But Manda claimed that referees development officer Maxwell Mtonga endorsed his leave application because Kaputa was away.
Nomads general secretary Mike Butao said they have asked FAM to consider releasing Manda for a month on unpaid leave.
But Nyirenda said Manda’s job is purely related to youth football development and his absence is affecting that area.
