Flames’ camp funding saga rages on
The Malawi National Council of Sports has told FAM to fund part of the Flames camping using revenue from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda at the weekend said they were still awaiting government’s response on their request for K18 million (about $60 000) funding to meet Flames’ preparations for the Cecafa Tusker Senior Challenge Cup.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that FAM is also trying to organise an international strength-testing match against Swaziland’s Sihlangu on Wednesday in preparation for the Cecafa tournament.
 However, Sports Council executive secretary George Jana on Sunday said FAM can still fund part of the Flames camping from the Ghana game revenue.
“FAM got K9 million [about $30 000) from the K18 million gross that was made from the Ghana game and we are saying they can use part of that amount for the preparations and government can just top up.
“So, FAM told us that they are looking at their cash flow first,†said Jana.
He further said they have asked FAM to choose between playing an international friendly match against Swaziland or taking part in the Cecafa tournament.
“Initially, it would appear they wanted both, but looking at the finances, we have asked them to choose one because it is difficult to get both, so the ball is in their court. But it would appear they would rather go for Cecafa because it provides more exposure,†said Jana.
A Blantyre-based soccer fan, Kelvin Chifunda, equally wondered why FAM was failing to supplement funding for Flames preparations.
“We were told that K18 million was made from the Ghana game, why can’t FAM use part of that money for Flames preparations instead of looking up to government for the entire budget?†Chifunda wondered.
However, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said the national teams are government’s responsibility.
“The money that is made from gate revenue meets other operational and administrative costs. However, sometimes we do supplement funding for the national teams,†he said.
Nyamilandu confirmed that they are talking to Swaziland on the possibility of arranging an international friendly match.
“We are still waiting for government’s response, but we are in favour of the Cecafa tournament,†said Nyamilandu.
Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana said on Sunday they were yet to get a response from Treasury on their request for FAM’s supplementary funding.
