Football Association of Malawi raise players allowances

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has raised the national football team players’ game allowances and bonuses as pressure mounts for the Flames to qualify for the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

FAM General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said the revised package was endorsed during the association’s executive committee meeting held recently in which each will be receiving K100,000 for a win

Nyirenda said although the Flames players were getting K100,000 each for most of the games the rate, was a motivation but it  was not formalised.

“In most of crucial games the players were each getting K100,000 for win as special incentive but I can confirm that allowances have now been normalised after FAM executive committee approved,” Nyirenda said.

“They have already started getting the allowances with effect from the Benin game.”

But he said the increment was based on a cost-sharing arrangement with the government with FAM expected to contribute K70,000 and K30,000 will be shouldered by the government.

Nyirenda also disclosed the team’s daily allowance have been doubled from K3,000 to K6,000 each day with the same cost-sharing arrangement with the government.

FAM Liaison Officer James Sangala, who is also a long serving player, confirmed that the revised rate has motivated the players.

“The proposed allowances had been effected and they have been a source of motivation to the players,” Sangala said.

“On behalf of the players I would like to I would like to express my gratitude to the association for heeding to the call to review the allowances.

Former Flames revered captain Peter Mponda who unceremoniously hung up his boots after an injury, said it was a welcome development.

“It might have taken years to address this issue but is good to hear that the players are getting better allowances, It is not just about serving the nation but the players need to rewarded.

Malawian players are one of the lowest paid in Africa.