Players’ welfare, club licensing top FAM strategy

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu says improving players’ welfare and enforcing club licensing will be priorities in the association’s new strategic plan.

Nyamilandu said this yesterday ahead of the newly-elected executive committee’s first meeting tomorrow.

Among the agenda, the meeting is expected to come up with a strategic plan, which will guide football improvement initiatives in the next four years.

“Players are the most prized assets in football. It is, therefore, important that they are taken care of. I will make sure improving their welfare is a key priority in our strategic plan,” said Nyamilandu.

In his manifesto prior to the December 12 elections, the FAM boss said he will form a Welfare Fund which would be financed through gate revenue.

On club licensing, FAM will be giving licences to Super League clubs that fulfil minimum requirements such as having a constitution, secretariat, reserve side and audited accounts.

Of its importance, Nyamilandu said: “It will ensure that clubs are transparent in handling of their finances. It will also help develop football since a lot of players will have an opportunity to play in reserves of these clubs.”

The club licensing, which was introduced by Fifa and Condeferation of Africa Football (CAF) four years ago, is expected to rollout locally this season.

Meanwhile, FAM secretary general Suzgo Nyirenda said the executive committee will also outline preparations for the Flames’ Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) game against Guinea in March this year.