Funding challenges restrict NAM from hiring expatriate coach
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) says funding constraints prevent them from going beyond the country’s borders to hire an expatriate coach for Malawi Queens.
NAM general secretary Yamikani Kauma said this at a time the association plans to hire a full-time coach for the Malawi National Netball Team when coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa’s short-term contract expires in February next year.
Malawi Queens have been struggling for the past decade, resulting in the team slumping from fifth position to eighth on World Netball Rankings.
They have all along been coached by local coaches, but some netball analysts believe an expatriate coach could help turn the team’s misfortunes around.
Kauma said NAM plans to engage a full-time coach and discussions are under way with both the Malawi National Council of Sports and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“Engagement of a full time coach will await budget approvals for 2026 as we do not have funding in the current budget,” she said.
“Due to costs relating to salary, accommodation and flights, attributable to having an expatriate coach, we are unable to consider one at this time bearing in mind our current budget.”
The NAM GS said they will submit their budget in December and the decision to hire either a local or an expatriate coach will depend on how much funding will be approved for the association.
Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson McMillan Mwale on Thursday said they are aware of NAM’s lobbying for a full-time or an expatriate coach.
“Of course, it is possible for NAM to hire an expatriate coach and it is up to them to decide. As a ministry, we will provide the guidelines, where necessary,” he said.
