FA Malawi resolves to recruit expatriate coach

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has resolved to recruit an expatriate coach before the first game of  2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off on April 21.

In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Alfred Gunda, indicated that this followed a glimmer of hope offered by government and well wishers on the team’s participation in these two continental competitions.

The association has now embarked on the recruitment of expatriate coach.

FAM had earlier indicated to withdraw from the two competitions because of that lack of commitment by the government to offer financial help and recruitment of expatriate coach.

“The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) would like to inform the general public and all its stakeholders that it held an Extra Ordinary Executive Committee Meeting in Blantyre on 18th March 2017. There have been a number of discussions with Government FIFA and other international partners as well as well-wishers on the possible participation of the Malawi National Senior Football Team (the team) in CHAN and AFCON competitions.,” stated the

“Consequent upon these discussions, FAM has expedited the recruitment of a well-qualified and experienced National Coach, who will be an Expatriate, for the Senior National team and he will be assisted by two local coaches. 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 qualifying matches whose first game is scheduled for 21st April 2017.

FAM said it has also taken heed of concern from government, our partners and well-wishers on the prospect of the team’s withdrawal from the above competitions.

“Accordingly, some form of commitments and assurances have been made on the financial support for the team in these two competitions, in the short term, and its future programs, in the long term,” it stated.

It was also resolved that two local coaches should be immediately appointed to take charge of the team in order to ensure that the team is quickly assembled to start preparations ahead of the recruitment of the National Coach.

“Discussions with the local coaches, their respective clubs and other relevant stakeholders on the scope of their work and responsibility are currently underway. Once agreed appropriate communication will be made to the general public and all the stakeholders. The two local coaches will work with and report to the National Coach once he reports for duties,” stated the report.

FAM made a stunning decision to withdraw after government through Ministry of Youth, Sports and Manpower Development told the cash-strapped association that it has no money to pay an expatriate and finance the participation of the tournament.

The government’s sudden change has also been influenced by Malawi’s millionaire South Africa based Prophet Shepherd Bushiri announced that it has made an offer to bank the team’s participation.

But Prophet Bushiri’s offer has not been kindly welcomed by the government saying he should follow the procedure rather than announcing through the media.

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