FAM seeks clarification on Flames houses

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu has described government’s pledge on Flames players’ houses as a mere concept with “grey areas and loose ends”.

Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana claimed, when he visited the Malawi national football team at Kamuzu Stadium on Tuesday, that he was surprised that his ministry’s officials, FAM and the Sports Council had not made progress on the issue.

Reacting to the news yesterday, Nyamilandu claimed that FAM submitted a list of 25 players, who were selected based on their regular appearances for national team duty, but nothing has been done so far.

“The challenge is on the practicality and feasibility. The minister has to come out clearly on what the scheme entails, where are the houses, what will be the criteria, what are the terms and conditions, who will be the beneficiaries?” he said.

“My idea is this is still at a concept level….it still needs thorough consultations with stakeholders, including the Malawi Housing Corporation,” he added.

Chihana wants an agreement with Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) for the Flames players to access the institution’s relatively cheaper houses. The minister said government would not necessarily be paying the rentals, but would ensure that players access the houses in decent locations.

Principal secretary II in the Ministry of Sports Justin Saidi yesterday said they had no problems if FAM wanted more consultations, but reiterated that the association was better-placed to determine the housing modalities, including beneficiaries.

Saidi claimed to have never seen FAM’s list of players.

“As government, we are saying there is that window of opportunity but the challenge is on the nitty gritties,” he said.