Govt approves Mwase’s contract extension

Government has approved FAM’s request to extend Flames coach Meck Mwase’s contract by two years.

His initial one-year deal expired in February this year and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) recommended the extension after he guided the Flames to 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.

Confirming the approval yesterday, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture director of sports Jameson Ndalama said the ministry’s human resource department has since submitted the approval to the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) for its endorsement.

“I can confirm that the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture [Ulemu Msungama] has approved FAM’s request and a new contract is being worked on,” he said.

Ndalama said the terms of the contract will be agreed in liaison with Mwase.

He also said the ministry has recommended that the Flames gaffer  be sent for advanced training to prepare him for the Afcon finals to be hosted by Cameroon next January.

“Considering the magnitude of the tournament, there is need for the coach to go for further training and courses, bearing in mind that there are also [2022] World Cup qualifiers coming up,” said Ndalama.

Mwase yesterday said he was yet to get communication from relevant authorities.

“But that is what I have been waiting for so that I can get down to work and plan for the engagements ahead,” he said.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said the development is a step in the right direction and a real motivation for the coach.

“It’s great to see that the employer, Malawi Government, is rewarding the coach for a job well done,” he said.

Mwase became the third coach to guide the Flames to the continental showpiece after the late Henry Moyo (1984) and Kinnah Phiri (2010).

Ironically, only local coaches have led the Flames to qualify for the African safari.

Currently, FAM is responsible for the coach’s upkeep as he awaits the new deal to be finalised.