Coaches body pleads with Fam
National Coaches Association (NCA) has asked Football Association of Malawi (Fam) to persuade the government to offer full-time contracts to the rest of Flames coaching panel.
The development comes after Fam proposed to the government to offer Flames coach Meck Mwase a new year contract and promotion.
NCA General Secretary Davie Mpima said having the entire Flames coaching panel on full-time contracts will help them operate jointly.
“We have proposed that all the coaches with the national team should be on full-time contracts to enable them to concentrate on their role. This will also motivate the coaches to be united and aim high,” he said.
Fam President Walter Nyamilandu could not commit on full-time employment for the Flames coaches.
“Informally all parties are keen to renew the contracts and we will formalise after Easter Holidays. Conditions of service are different with the government. In any case, this is not the practice with football. It is a high-risk job, hence coaches are contracted,” he said.
Government offered Mwase and his assistant Lovemore Fazili full-time contracts whereas another Flames assistant coach Bob Mpinganjira and goalkeepers trainer Swadick Sanudi were offered part-time contracts.
Former Fam acting general secretary George Kaudza- Masina concurred with the coaches’ body proposal.
“A permanent position will be very much ideal for the entire Mwase backroom staff unlike now when it is only Mwase and Fazili. As it is there is a likelihood of divided loyalty between the national team and their respective clubs.
Masina said engaging all the coaches on full-time basis will also help them concentrate on player scouting unlike at present when player selection is sometimes questionable.
“At the same time, it will be a motivation to the backroom staff and we can see positive results coming our way as all their life will be revolving around the Flames,” he said.
Mwase led the Flames to their third Africa Cup of Nations finals qualification after finishing with 10 points, two behind Group B leaders Burkina Faso.
The former Flames defence pillar has emulated the feat which fellow local coaches late Henry Moyo and Kinnah Phiri achieved in 1984 and 2010, respectively.
