Minister grills FAM
The Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire yesterday took to task the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive committee on the Flames’ poor performance and other issues.
During a meeting held in Lilongwe, the minister also sought clarification on the controversy surrounding TNM Super League sponsorship and it was revealed that the Super League of Malawi will not proceed with plans to take PremierBet on board as a co-sponsor as the betting firm will sponsor football in another way.
Mkandawire started the meeting held at Bingu National Stadium by congratulating the new FAM executive committee following its election in December last year.
He said: “This appointment is a testament to the trust and high expectations that the people of Malawi have placed in you. I, therefore, urge FAM to embrace this responsibility with dedication and enthusiasm.
“But in light of recent events, the ministry is concerned with the poor performance of the Malawi National Football Team during the Four Nations Tournament, where Malawi finished last despite being the hosts.
“So, I am eager to hear from the Football Association of Malawi regarding the challenges or issues that contributed to this performance.”
The minister also asked FAM to brief his ministry on the current status of the TNM Super League sponsorship.
Said Mkandawire: “It was noted that the main sponsors were absent during the launch of the 2024 TNM Super League matches. I was at Dedza Stadium and I hear the sponsors were conspicuously absent at all the Super League venues that weekend.
“We seek clarity on this matter and how it is going to be addressed without losing sponsorship.”
In response, FAM president Fleetwood Haiya attributed the Flames’ poor showing to, among other factors, poor preparations and that coach Patrick Mabedi used the tournament to assess some new players.
On the TNM plc sponsorship, he said they had discussions with all stakeholders and TNM is still the league’s sponsor.
“We discussed with TNM and the relationship is still on. As for PremierBet, they will support football in another way,” he said.
Sulom unveiled a K260 million partnership deal with Premier Bet during its fundraising dinner and dance held in Lilongwe on March 30.
