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| Sports |
| Government addressing Sadc games’ hassles |
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by
Leonard Sharra, 31 March 2004
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16:37:35
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Sports Minister Phillip Bwanali has said government is in the process of addressing the problems that are threatening Malawi’s participation in the Zone VI/Sadc Under 20 Games slated for the Mozambican capital, Maputo this month.
Malawi’s participation is being hindered by two main factors: The US $100 000 (K11million) fine imposed on the country after failing to host the inaugural games last year and an accumulated subscription of about K2.5 million. Government is yet to pay the fees Zone VI which is organising the games.
Apart from the fees, government has to approve a K31 million budget proposed by Sports Council which already asked the participating disciplines to start their preparations.
Malawi is expected to take part in boxing, football (both men and women), basketball, netball, disabled sports and athletics.
In an interview on Wednesday Bwanali said government was addressing the problems to ensure Malawi participates in the event.
“We consider the games very important in terms of regional solidarity and integration. The only stumbling blocks are purely financial issues but they are being addressed. We will come public after completion of discussions,” said Bwanali.
Meanwhile, Fam released names of Under 20 players to go into non-residential training in Blantyre and Lilongwe in readiness for the games.
The association’s public relations and marketing officer Isabel Maziya said the team in Lilongwe would be training under Silver Strikers’ assistant coach Stan Chirwa while Escom’s Stewart Mbolembole will drill the Blantyre squad.
“We are starting the non residential training as we wait for government to come in with the funding. This is purely a government event and the government is supposed to fund everything,” said Maziya.
Athletics Association of Malawi secretary general Haxon Chapasa said his body has organised a national junior championship in Zomba to identify some of the athletes to take part in the games.
But basketball association of Malawi secretary general James Gwaza said his body was waiting for the government funding to start its preparations.
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