Providing a bio-secure environment will be the top priority when domestic football resumes in Malawi, which was announced by the Football Association of Malawi (Fam) on Tuesday.
Fam president Walter Nyamilandu said the association has put in place a detailed medical protocol to ensure that players are protected from the pandemic.
“You [players] are the main actors of the game and as Fam, we are more interested in your day to day lives,” said Nyamilandu.
“After meeting all key stakeholders there was a need to have an audience with you as well as we continue to get ideas on how best we can restart football in a very safe manner.
“We have come up with protocols that will cover the whole process from the start of training to match days with an emphasis on your safety.
The players said they are struggling financially as some clubs have stopped paying their staff while others are receiving half pay.
Some national team players concerns over match fitness for international matches as Malawi are expected to return to Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in November.
Malawi captain John Banda said: “We are very happy that Fam met us. As players, we felt that we were left behind because FAM has met a number of football stakeholders but was yet to meet us.
“There is a lot at stake, our careers, national team performance, and Football future. So there was a need for us to have an idea of what is going on through this interaction ” said Banda.
Football Players Association (FPA) Jimmy Zakazaka said: “We applaud Fam for giving us hope that the game will return in the safest manner.
“I also want to take this opportunity to encourage all players to join the FPA which is the uniting factor that will enable us to speak with one voice to relevant authorities.”
Fam suspended all football activities on March 20, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
You must be logged in to post a comment Login