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Mwase sticks to flames contract 

Redeployed Flames coach Meck Mwase says he will see through his contract with government which expires next year because his  case against FAM in which he is demanding K500 million compensation for breach of contract  hinges on the same.

The coach has since turned down two offers, one from TNM Super League outfit Silver Strikers and another from e-Swatini, formerly Swaziland, side Nsingizini FC, saying he is still Flames coach.

Still on FAM’s payroll: Mwase

Nsingizini wanted Mwase on a permanent role, while Silver Strikers board chairperson George Kaudza Masina said they wanted Mwase on an interim basis up to the end of the season following the firing of  the Lilongwe-based club’s Zambian coach Daniel Kabwe.

Mwase’s lawyers, Makiyi, Kanyenda & Associates, through managing partner David Kanyenda, said in an interview yesterday that their client was advised against taking up the job because he has a running contract.

He said: “The decision has been informed by a variety of factors, but as counsel, I am not at liberty to divulge the specific details. All I can say is that Meck has a running contract as head coach of Malawi national team until early 2023.

“Meck intends to respect his contract and to always be available to coach the national team unless his contract is lawfully terminated or until his contract expires. Right now, he is the only rightful coach of the Malawi national team.”

Mwase is still drawing a salary and all his benefits as Flames coach after Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced through a press statement that he was redeployed to Under-23 national team, according to Kanyenda.

He said: “They pay him. But Mwase isn’t happy to just eat the money. He has a right to work and he wants to work and practice his trade.

“At all material times, he has been willing and ready to work in that capacity.”

The lawyer said the case against FAM, which resumes on Tuesday next week in the High Court in Blantyre, is not just about the money.

Kanyenda explained: “There are several fundamental principles that require ventilation through the judicial system for Meck’s own sake and for the sake of future Flames local coaches.

“Several of his constitutional rights have been violated through the unlawful removal as head coach. And he has been on the receiving end of remuneration discrimination and FAM ought in fact, to pay him more.”

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda said Mwase’s decision to respect the contract cements his case against FAM.

Kaudza Masina said following Mwase’s stance, the club’s board will meet and respond to the coach.

FAM relieved Mwase of his duties as Flames coach in April during its executive committee first quarterly meeting at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.

However, Ministry of Youth and Sports distanced itself from the decision and FAM later announced it had redeployed him to Under-23 national team. 

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