FAM says no more cash pledges to Flames

FAM has said it will not offer any incentives to the Flames in the countdown to Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria because it diverts players’ attention.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu made it clear on Thursday that if the Flames want incentives, then they must just deliver against the Super Eagles.

In the past, FAM would often offer the Flames a double bonus in an attempt to motivate them ahead of such big games.

“We are not dangling the carrot. It is the usual game bonus that is on offer. If they want rewards, then they must deliver first and, as we have done in the past, we will respond.

“We don’t want to divert their attention because experience has shown that these pledges divert their focus,” said Nyamilandu, himself a former Flames sweeper.

However, inspirational midfielder Robert ‘Baggio’ Ng’ambi, declared that with or without incentives, they are ready to sweat blood tomorrow.

“I totally agree with the president, we should prove that we are worth more by beating Nigeria. Our focus should be to win the match and then other things can come later,” said Ng’ambi.

Meanwhile, Nyamilandu has said he is confident the Flames can do well on Saturday.

“With due respect to Nigeria, I believe we can win on Saturday,” he said.

But what makes him so confident when the Flames have struggled against minnows such as Tanzania, Chad and Zanzibar?

“Well, our home record is impeccable, that is the key aspect despite the fact that we are playing a continental giant.

“I believe we also have a new team that has proved that it can cope with pressure playing away, what more playing at home?” he said.

The FAM president watched the Flames training session on Thursday morning at Kamuzu Stadium where he offered them a word of encouragement.