FAM names Flames Afcon Task Force
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has formed a task force to mobilise resources for the Flames participation in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals next January.
A statement from the association says the ad hoc committee, comprising members of the corporate world, football administrators and media executives, is headed by FAM first vice-president High Court judge Justice Jabbar Alide while Old Mutual group chief executive officer (CEO) Edith Jiya is the vice-chairperson.
The other members are NBS Bank Plc board chairperson and Nico Holdings Plc managing director and executive director Vizenge Kumwenda, Smile Life Insurance Company CEO Stain Singo, FAM executive committee member Fellister Dossi, Khwesi Msusa, FDH Bank head of marketing Levie Nkunika, former FAM executive member Daud Suleman, Silver Strikers CEO Thoko Chimbali and Nation Publication Limited CEO Mbumba Banda.
FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda is secretary of the task force while FAM commercial and marketing director Limbani Matola is the vice-secretary.
The statement, signed by Gunda says the subcommittee was formed because the Flames do not have a special fund.
Reads the statement: “This initiative has been set up against the backdrop of the Flames not having special funds to participate at this prestigious international football tournament.
“The task force is expected to embark on this very important national cause immediately by devising modalities of how it can mobilise resources from the public and private sector in order to make the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign a resounding success.”
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said in an interview that the association is confident that the task force will deliver.
He said: “We looked outside when making the appointments by opening up to corporate executives with the view of drawing from their wide experience and network.
“We want to encourage corporate executives to play a meaningful role in football as there is a misconception that football administration is a secluded field for those that have been actively involved in football.
“The composition has also achieved a right balance in terms of gender in order to encourage high profile women that have a passion for sport to come and help women’s football that is lacking support from within the females.”
The task force’s formation follows a resolution FAM executive committee meeting held on May 8 passed.
It also comes at a time Kasungu North legislator Mike Bango announced that he will move a motion for President Lazarus Chakwera to form a Presidential Task Force to mobilise resources for the Flames participation at Afcon.
FAM has welcomed the move, saying the Flames need everyone’s support to compete well at the Afcon finals.
