Flames’ Mali trip awaits funding
The Flames are scheduled to depart for Mali at midnight today, but as at noon on Monday, government had not yet released funding for the West African foray.
The team is slated to take on the Eagles of Mali this Saturday in their opening Group B match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said on Monday the issue was still being looked into by government authorities at Capital Hill.
“We have an assurance that the issue is being attended to, I have been in touch with relevant government authorities and all we have to do now is wait for the feedback,” said Nyirenda.
FAM presented a K43.6 million (about $115 000) budget to government for the trip that includes air travel, allowances and game bonuses. Initially, the football governing body presented K300 million (about $790 000) as budget for the whole campaign that was, however, cut to K197.5 million after discussions with Sports Council officials.
Nyirenda said the team is expected to travel to Mali’s capital Bamako via Nairobi where they will be joined by nine foreign-based players from South Africa, DR Congo and Mozambique.
Malawi National Council of Sports executive secretary George Jana on Monday said the issue was now in the hands of government.
National coach Young Chimodzi is yet to release the full list of players expected to make the trip.
