Sports council ‘summons’ Fam

Malawi National Council of Sports has called for a meeting with Football Association of Malawi (FAM) on Tuesday to discuss the Flames’ poor performance at the just-ended Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Botswana. The Malawi National Football Team finished last in the four-team tournament which also included eventual champions Zimbabwe’s Warriors, runners-up Zambia’s Chipolopolo and the hosts, who finished third. Zambia and Botwana’s Zebras featured second-string sides while the Flames and Warriors had full-strength squads.

Contacted to confirm the meeting yesterday, Sports Council board chairperson Jim Kalua said: “I think ‘summoning’ would be a bit scary. I would say we have called them for a chat over the team’s poor performance. “We would like to appreciate as to whether we are making meaningful progress, considering that some of the teams featured second string teams at the tournament.

“It will also be the first time that we are meeting FAM since we were ushered into office and the meeting will give us a chance to touch on other matters.” FAM operations director Gomezgani Zakazaka yesterday asked for more time to consult . At the tournament, Malawi lost to Zambia 9-8 on post match penalties after playing out a goalless draw in regulation time before losing the third-place play-off to Zimbabwe 1-0 in their second game to bow out without scoring a goal in open play. FAM president Fleetwood Haiya acknowledged through a post on his Facebook page that the Flames did not rise to the occasion at the tournament.

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He said: “We acknowledge the disappointment this brings to our supporters. However, our hope remains anchored in the example set by the Scorchers, who, despite early setbacks in friendlies, learned, improved and ultimately qualified. “We believe the same path is possible for the Flames.

The preparations have been provided and these experiences must now translate into growth and results. The expectation and target remains clear—qualification for the 2027 Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations] is a must.”

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