Minister pushes for fans’ trip to Cameroon

Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama says he has negotiated with two airlines for subsidised air tickets to enable supporters travel to Cameroon to cheer the Flames at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

However, while commending the idea, football analyst George Kaudza Masina has faulted the timing.

In a post on his Facebook page, the minister said: “Negotiations are underway with two airlines to ferry Malawian supporters to Cameroon.

“Private sector, please come in so that we can subsidise air fare. Visa are issued upon arrival.”

And in an interview on Sunday, the minister said the Flames need morale support.

“Nobody gave the team a chance to reach this far and surely if we can have the 12th player, we can go far in this tournament and that is why I engaged the airlines and I am hoping that the corporate world can come in,” said Msungama.

He said the idea is that supporters that can afford K100 000 can be considered for the trip.

“We have already engaged the Ministry of Health and they are ready to assist by providing rapid Covid-19 test at no cost for cause of our national team,” said the minister.

He also said the Flames victory has created a lot of excitement and he is optimistic they will sail through against Morocco tomorrow.

Said Msungama: “I had a chat with the players and I have urged them to approach the game with the same spirit they showed against Senegal.

“I have drummed into them that if they progress, they will create opportunities for themselves in major leagues in Europe.

“I have no doubt that we will qualify because we have young, talented, hard-working and hungry players.”

But commenting on the fans’ trip, Kaudza Masina said: “Much as I commend the minister’s plan, the timing is wrong.

“To begin with, this is weekend and tomorrow [today] is Monday and the Flames are playing on Tuesday. And looking at how companies operate, it is a very short period for management or board to meet and discuss.

“And then there is also the issue of logistics such as Covid-19 tests and accommodation.

“The trip should have been planned way back. We heard that supporters wanted to travel, but they did not get any support because no one had faith in the Flames.”