FAM awaits Fazili, Bob responses on Flames roles
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu says the local soccer governing body is waiting for responses from Lovemore Fazili and Bob Mpinganjira on contract offers as Flames assistant coaches.
The FAM president made the statement after Fazili yesterday announced that he has taken a year-long unpaid leave as Silver Strikers’ assistant coach to concentrate on his Flames role. But Be Forward Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira claimed he is yet to be informed about his offer.
National football team head coach Meke Mwase recommended the two to be his assistants in June after FAM gave him the freedom to choose his own backroom staff.
Nyamilandu said: “We have made an offer and it is up to them to respond accordingly. We will recruit the assistant coaches that Mwase recommended if they are interested. The ball is in their court.”
On his part, Fazili claimed he has already accepted the offer and has tgone on leave at Silver, saying it is a privilege to serve the nation and to be recognised for the national team role.
“Actually, I have not resigned at Silver, but I have taken a leave without pay from now up to June 30 next year. Silver is my team and whenever the management wants my services, after this period, I will come back,” he said.
“Without Silver, I would not have been noticed by FAM. I have had happy moments at Silver and my appreciation to everyone for having me as their coach for four years.”
Speaking on his new role, Fazili said he will work with Mwase and FAM to bring the national team success.
“It is a very big challenge, but I have to take it because it is a national duty and I believe we can achieve success and that will also aid my development as a coach,” said Fazili
Silver general secretary Lawrence Yobe said they were not taken unawares as the situation was already handled when Fazili was being assigned to national duties on part-time basis.
Mpinganjira said he is yet to be communicated on the offer, “but probably I would hear something by the end of the week”.
Wanderers chairperson Gift Mkandawire also said they are yet to be officially communicated on Mpinganjira’s national team assignment.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Francis Phiso said government already approved the coaches’ contracts. “That issue was brought to my attention and it was approved that the coach and his assistants should be issued contracts,” he said.
