Flames want bonus hike

Flames players have asked Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to consider increasing their game bonus specifically for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon in January 2022.

The Flames get K500 000 each for a win in a competitive match, but one of the senior players confided that they have asked FAM for a 50 percent hike, translating to K750 000 for a win each.

He said: “Considering what other teams have been offered, our request is not much. In fact, we could be one of the least earners at the tournament.

“This is a big tournament where players need extra motivation to give out their best and we are hoping that our request will be considered.”

However, while confirming the request, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said in an interview on Tuesday that it will depend on the availability of funds.

He said: “Yes, the players made a request for a special game bonus for the tournament, but we are yet to commit an incentive package until we are certain about availability of funds.

“They [players] have not disclosed the proposed fee to us yet. They said they would make a presentation when we start camping.”

Last week, Nyamilandu told a press conference that FAM has a K154 million shortfall on their K525 million Afcon budget and part of it is meant for allowances.

He said: “The shortfall is meant for essential necessities such as players’ allowances. Without it, there will be chaos in the Flames camp during the continental showpiece as there could be protests over unpaid allowances.”

On whether there has been progress on the hunt for the shortfall, the FAM president on Monday said: “It’s tough going. We are deserted, we are on our own.

“We are trying to pull strings to make things happen. We are under pressure to meet the expenses and look after the players.

“Unfortunately, the money is needed now and not later.”

Last week, Malawi National Council of Sports rejected FAM’s request for additional funding towards Afcon budget, saying Treasury is working on many commitments of the current financial year, as such it would be difficult to provide additional funding.

A letter from Sports Council, signed by acting executive secretary Henry Mereka, reads in part: “In this regard, therefore, we urge you to manage and be within the resources that you have and that in future, there is need to thoroughly confirm your requirements before making submission for funding.”