FAM says bonds will help cushion clubs’ expenses

FAM says its decision to release K1 million surety to TNM Super League clubs is aimed at helping the teams clear some of their operational costs following the suspension of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, FAM general secretary (GS) Alfred Gunda said  the money would go towards cushioning key expenditures the clubs are incurring as a result of the football season suspension.

Said Gunda: “Most of our clubs largely depend on gate collections for survival and we are now going into third week without football matches since the season was postponed due to the coronavirus.

“FAM felt it was necessary to make available the money it is keeping on behalf of the clubs as they may need it more now considering that they are spending but not getting income as projected.”

He said clubs are, therefore, requested to confirm with FAM in writing to enable it transfer the funds accordingly.

On his part, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu yesterday said: “The release of the K1 million bond will help clubs to defray some of their most pressing operational expenses which includes players and staff salaries at a time that they are hard pressed to generate income owing to absence of football matches.”

Some of the clubs yesterday applauded FAM for the move, describing it as a timely relief.

Karonga United GS Ramzy Simwaka said: “We mainly depend on gate collections for the club’s operations, in particular players and technical staff’s salaries and with the current situation, we are bankrupt. So, the K1 million will help us pay players’ allowances for a month.”

Azam Tigers director responsible for technical services Robin Alufandika said: “For a club that does not have sponsorship like ours, this money will make a difference, especially in paying players’ upkeep.”

Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said FAM’s move shows that they appreciate the effects of the Covid-19 on local clubs.