Silver Strikers have hiked players’ game bonuses for a win from K20 000 to K50 000.
Initially, the Bankers chairperson Ralph Tseka had said they proposed to adjust the win bonus to K100 000 from K20 000 and nothing for a draw, as part of motivating the players.
However, general secretary Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda said the players complained about the scrapping of the draw bonus; hence the reduction from K100 to K50 000.
He said the idea to remove the draw bonus came about because the team drew a lot of league matches last season.
“We only lost once last season but ended up on third position. This came about because we drew a lot of matches. We felt that the players were contented with the draws because they were still benefiting financially,” he said.
Silver team manager Francis Songo said though they were changes to the initial arrangement, the players are motivated with the bonus adjustments.
“You can see that we are doing better in the league. That is partly due to the motivation from the game bonus adjustments,” he said.
Songo said the club also adjusts the bonuses depending on the importance of the games.
“When we have some crucial games like cup ones, the committee challenges the players that if they win they will get increased bonuses. The players are inspired and give out their all,” he said.
Silver players are the highest paid.
Be Forward Wanderers are second with K35 000 bonus for a win while Bullets pay K30 000.
The Nomads and Bullets both pay their players K5 000 for a draw while Silver players get K10 000 for a draw, according to the club officials.
Football Players’ Association of Malawi (Fpam) general secretary Ernest Mangani said the bonuses were in the right ranges, but urged the clubs to aim at matching what neighbouring countries are offering.
“Other Southern Africa clubs are paying an equivalent of K100 000 as game bonus. I know it is difficult for clubs in Malawi to be up there because of the poor economic environment they operate in. However, our clubs must enhance their income generation to be offering better bonuses,” he said.
