FAM urges coaches, refs to work in harmony
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has urged National Referees Association (NRC) and the Malawi Football Coaches Association (MFCA) to work in harmony to curb violence at football matches.
The call was made by FAM chairperson responsible for referee’s sub-committee James Mwenda on Saturday at Lilongwe Technical College when he decorated newly Fifa-sanctioned referees.
Mwenda said most coaches are not conversant with officiating rules and will always blame referees for losses even if the referee was right in applying rules of the game..
“From what we have observed, supporters take the word of a coach as the truth. Once a coach says the referee is biased, supporters will follow that and in some instances react violently. Coaches and referees should not be rivals, they must work together to improve the game of football. We need to have seminars involving coaches and referees to create harmony,” said Mwenda.
He hailed the referees who have made it on the Fifa list, saying it is not an easy feat.
“They had to be assessed every year for them to be awarded the Fifa badges. I congratulate you on your achievement. I advise you to be professional and maintain consistence so that next year you can be on the list again,” said Mwenda.
NRC general secretary Chris Kalichero advised the referees against drunkenness, saying it can affect their physique and eventually their performance.
“I have observed that there are some of you who drink like fish. In the long run this kind of irresponsible consumption of alcohol will affect your health and you won’t be able to cope with the rigours of refereering. Please be responsible,” said Kalichero.
FAM technical adviser John Kaputa welcomed Mwenda’s call for harmony between coaches and referees.
“It is true that there is this acrimony and it is unhealthy for football progress. Let us work together. Without coaches, players and referees a football game cannot take place,” said Kaputa.
