FAM raises bar for kaputa’s job

Football Association of Malawi (FAM)  technical director John Kaputa’s shoes could be filled by an expatriate if the qualifications outlined in the job’s advert are anything to go by.

FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda said in an interveiw yesterday that the association is targeting holders of Pro-Football Licence.

He said besides the Pro-Football Licence, the candidates should also have a degree in sports management.

 No local coach has the cited qualifications; hence the development effectively means only expatriates are eligibile.

But Gunda downplayed these assertions saying: “We did not look at who has what coaching licence when coming up with the requirements. We simply looked at what qualifications suit the position.”

On whether those without the Pro-Football Licence can apply, he said they cannot bar anyone although the vacancy requirements are a benchmark.

The post of TD will fall vacant after incumbent John Kaputa asked FAM not to renew his contract which expires on June 30.

 Former Chitipa United coach Alex Ngwira, a CAF A licence holder who expressed interest in the TD post, said he will wait until the vacancy is officially published.

He said: “Otherwise, I am still interested in the post.”

Former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri and former TD Eddingtone Ng’onamo have also expressed interested in the job although both hold CAF A licence.

In a related development, FAM has also invited applications for the post of referees development officer to replace Maxwell Mtonga who is retiring after serving since 2009 in the capacity.

The association is targetting CAF referees instructors with  advanced diploma in refereeing.

National Football Referees Association (NFRA) general secretary Chris Kalichero said the of the referees developement officer is  curial as it is responsible for referees programmes in terms of training, upgrading and Fifa fitness tests.

“It cannot be vacant after Mr. Mtonga leaves. We have been wondering when the recruitment process will start,” he said.

But while agreeing that it will not be possible to have replacements by June 30, Gunda said: “The good this is that these are departments and the absence of the head cannot mean the office has stopped functioning.”

Filling the posts also requires the approval of world football governing body Fifa.