FAM in K100m fix for U-23
Football Association ofMalawi (FAM) is in a dilemma over the Under-23 Malawi national team’s participation in a tournament in Turkey from March 24 to 29 because it is yet to source K100 million for the trip.
FAM finance manager Christopher Mdolo said in an interview yesterday the K100 million is meant to cover air tickets and allowances as the host country will cover all local costs.
“As of now, we have nothing and government has not given us anything. We don’t know what will happen,” he said.
Reacting to FAM’s dilemma, Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) spokesperson Edgar Ntulumbwa said the council secretariat has no documentation on FAM’s request for funds for the Turkey tournament.
“The council did not receive any request from FAM asking for funds to take the team to Turkey. We are hearing from you. This is communication that would be made to us as soon as possible,” he said.
But, Mdolo insisted that they communicated to Sports Council and they were told that they have exhausted their budget allocation for the 2021-2022 financial year.
Commenting on the development, football analyst George Kaudza Masina said by accepting the invitation, FAM showed that either they have the resources or the host nation is taking care of everything.
He said: “It has to be appreciated that this mini-tournament was not budgeted for as it has come unexpectedly.
“The fact that FAM has accepted the invitation, it demonstrates that either they have the resources to cater for the trip or the host nation is taking care of everything.
“Asking government for a bailout at this moment will just be asking for too much, considering the extra funding FAM got for the Afcon finals. The government financial year is coming to an end this month and it will be difficult to get funds from other votes from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.”
Meanwhile, the 31-member squad coached by Flames legend Patrick Mabedi assisted by Under-17 coach Deklerk Msakakuona under the guidance of FAM technical director Mario Marian Marinica is in camp at Mpira Village in Chiwembe, Blantyre in preparation for the Turkey tournament.
Malawi is using the tournament to prepare for the Championship of African Nations qualifiers which will start in June and the 2026 Olympics qualifiers scheduled for September.
Kuwait and Togo are some of the countries that will take part in the Turkey tournament.
