FAM still awaits Flames’ extra funds
With just a few days ahead of the Flames scheduled camp training, government is yet to respond to FAM’s request for extra funding towards the forthcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Namibia’s Brave Warriors and Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
According to findings by Nation Online, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) submitted a K67 million (about $160 000) budget that also includes the May 25 international strength-testing match against Zimbabwe.
Sports Council executive secretary, George Jana, on Wednesday said they are yet to get a response from government regarding the request for extra funding which FAM submitted through his office.
“We submitted the budget to the Ministry [of Sports], but we have not yet received a response and we are still talking,” said Jana.
On whether the situation has the potential to affect the team’s camping, Jana said: “I would not want to make a commitment to pre-empt anything at this stage, suffice to say the issue is being looked into.”
However, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu expressed optimism that the funding would be released.
“I spoke to the Minister [of Sports] Hon. [Enoch] Chihana and he assured me that he is working with Treasury on the issue,” said Nyamilandu.
Meanwhile, FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda on Wednesday released a 30-member squad for the forthcoming games.
The most notable exclusion from the squad is South Africa-based experienced forward Esau Kanyenda, who is enjoying a rich vein of form at South African National First Division side Polokwane City.
Forwards Atusaye Nyondo and Robin Ngalande, who are not enjoying game time at their respective Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits, have also been left out. It is the first time, in recent times, that Nyondo has been dropped.
Injured goalkeeper Simplex Nthala is also not in the squad, so, too, Mozambique-based Chiukepo Msowoya.
However, Blue Eagles midfielder John ‘CJ’ Banda who has recovered from a lengthy injury, has been recalled. Banda scored vital goals against Nigeria and Chad in the 2014 World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
