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| Sports |
| Fifa wants new chapter at Fam |
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by
Oris Chimenya, 20 August 2004
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15:44:16
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World soccer governing body Fifa has said the coming up of the four-year development plan (2005-2008) for the Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has marked the beginning of another chapter at the association.
The global soccer body has also put it crystal clear that by the end of 2008 the local association will have no excuse for not having developed enough talent to take Malawi to greater soccer heights since every programme outlined in the strategic plan has its own fixed funding.
Fifa’s development officer for southern and eastern Africa Ashford Mamelodi said this at a press briefing on Thursday after a two-day Needs Assessment and Long Term Planning workshop for Fam.
The workshop, which attracted soccer administrators, referees, coaches and journalists came up with a strategic plan which Mamelodi said would be compiled into a booklet to act as a Bible for Fam and football in Malawi.
Mamelodi said the booklet will be handed over to Fam before the end of this year.
“This booklet takes care of everything and including accountability, administration, refereeing, soccer medicine, youth development and many things.
“The association will have no excuse for failing to develop the soccer talent— including women soccer—in the country because every programme will be funded by the Financial Assistance Programme (Fap),” said Mamelodi, adding that the Fap will also cater for salaries for staff involved in talent development including the technical director.
Mamelodi also directed that Fam should appoint a finance manager to oversee the association’s accounts to promote transparency.
He said the plan would not conflict with government’s sports policy which was developed about eight years ago but has never seen the light of the day.
Fam general secretary Roosevelt Mpinganjira also shared the sentiment: “I don’t think if our development plan is saying ‘employ 500 referees’ the government’s policy can say ‘no, don’t employ’,” he said.
He said the association would push for the formation of the Fam media committee which would be undergoing various workshops together with the country’s soccer administrators so that the ‘watchdogs’ are well versed with the rules of the game.
But Mamelodi countered: “Criticism should be there only if it is true because through the media’s criticism, we learn many things and correct where necessary”.
At the same press conference Fam acting president Anderson Zimba indicated that the new chapter at the association will be tough and will require support from everybody.
“I have been in both sessions of the Needs Assessment workshop and I see this development as a tough chapter.
“However, I have guys here who will help me work to achieve those objectives and I believe that we will make a difference,” said Zimba.
Apart from technical director and the finance manager, Fifa has also directed that Fam appoints a media relations officer who would be readily available with information for the press.
Fifa also bashed the association on the over-representation of affiliates during its annual general meetings.
“Why should 10 people represent one affiliate? And some of them just want to come even if they do not contribute anything. That is costly because they will at the end of the day want to be paid transport and accommodation allowances,” said Mamelodi.
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