Flames’ preparations for tomorrow’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt suffered a setback yesterday after players boycotted training over unpaid external travel allowances.

The players are yet to get their external allowances for the 10-day camping in Saudi Arabia and five days in Egypt where they lost 2-0 to the Pharaohs in the first leg.
They are also yet to get their bonuses for friendly matches against Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia Second Division side Al Ansar.

Zakazaka: Authorities
are working on it

In total, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) owes the players K41 million which translates to K1.4 million each for the whole period.
FAM was banking on government funding for the allowances, but as of yesterday, the association was yet to get the funding.

FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed the development in an interview yesterday.
He said the authorities were working on ensuring players’ return to training.

Malawi National Council of Sports board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise yesterday said in an interview he was aware of the players’ boycott.
He said efforts being made to ensure the players get the allowances.

He said: “The FAM president [Walter Nyamilandu] briefed me. I am in communication with the Minister of Youth and Sports [Uchizi Mkandawire] and the Principal Secretary.
But Flames stand-in captain John ‘CJ’ Banda denied boycotting training.

However, a senior player confided in The Nation the players boycotted the training since they were not getting a convincing explanation on their external allowances which are supposed to be paid before they travel. n

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