Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has penned Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa) to re-open the local player transfer window ahead of football resumption next month.
FAM licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale justified the move, saying some clubs want reinforcements after a long break.
He said: “We wrote Fifa last week asking for a two-week transfer window starting from November 7. Some clubs desperately want to have the window to improve their squads as some players have aged.”
Jangale, however, said Fifa has not yet responded to their request.
“We are optimistic that we will get the approval because Fifa understands that the season has already been disturbed by Covid-19. So, instead of the mid-season window, we want them to allow us conduct transfer deals next month,” he said.
Silver Strikers chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali welcomed the decision, saying it will give clubs a chance to strengthen their squads.
“A lot has happened in the past six weeks. Some clubs have players that are now old and out of the coaches’ plans. This is the time they would put their houses in order,” he said.
Chimbali said Silver will not go on the market in the event that the window opens.
“We are contented with the squad we have. What we have assembled is what we believe is a strong squad capable of achieving great things,” he said.
Mighty Tigers technical director Robin Alufandika said they do not need new signings to succeed.
“We don’t mind whether they open the transfer window or not. We already have a good squad that will do wonders,” he said.
Alufandika said their target is to finish in the TNM Super League top three.
On its part, the Football Players Association of Malawi (Fpam) has also supported FAM’s request, saying it help players to clinch better deals.
Said Fpam general secretary Ernest Mangani: “It is necessary because it will help players to secure new contracts or better contracts at teams of their choice.”
Football is expected to return on November 21 after a seven-month suspension as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus.
