The never-ending drama continues at Football Association of Malawi (Fam) in Chiwembe Township with the association’s Executive Committee, once again, u-turning on its decision to shelve the recruitment of Malawi National Football Team’s expatriate coach.
The committee, which met in Blantyre on Saturday, resolved to hire a foreign coach, a week after the government rejected such a proposal, citing budgetary constraints.
“The recruitment process has since commenced and Fam is in touch with the prospective candidates for this crucial position. It is expected that the national coach will be in place by the time Malawi starts to prepare for the Chan (African Nations Championship) qualifying matches whose first game is scheduled for April 21,” reads Fam’s press release issued Monday.
Last week, Fam shelved the hiring of the coach and resolved to withdraw the Flames from the qualifiers of the continental competitions, in reaction to the government’s stance.
However, in the latest twist, Saturday’s meeting also settled for the appointment of two local coaches to take charge of the team while waiting for the expatriate. It is unclear as to where Fam would source the perks for the coach.
Furthermore, plans to recruit the locals represent yet another u-turn from Fam’s decision to hire a Director of Football using Fifa funding.
The statement added that Fam’s latest position follows discussions with the government, Fifa and international partners on the Flames’ participation in the Afcon and Chan qualifiers.
“It has become apparent in these discussions that there is [an] obvious concern from the government, our partners and well-wishers on the prospect of the team’s withdrawal from the above competitions,” the press release added.
“Accordingly, some forms of commitments and assurances have been made on the financial support for the team in these two competitions in the short-term, its future programs and in the long-term…there is a possibility that the team may participate in the above competitions accordingly.”
However, Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development spokesperson, Simon Mbvundula, on Monday expressed ignorance on the development.
“Is that what is happening? Well, I am in the dark about that one. Maybe let me find out. But the official government position on the expatriate coach is that there is no money,” Mbvundula said.
At the rate at which Fam is changing its goal posts, you just cannot rule out yet another u-turn.
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