Sunday, April 5, 2026
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1095

FAM Cracks Down on Unlicensed Player Agents, Calls for FIFA Certification

0

By Twink Jones Gadama

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has issued a stern warning to local player agents, urging them to obtain the necessary licenses or risk being banned from facilitating transfer deals on behalf of players.

According to FAM Club Licensing and Compliance Manager Casper Jangale, Malawi currently has no FIFA-licensed agents, leading to disputes and complications in player transfers.

“It is illegal to operate as an agent without a license, and it’s punishable. We will not allow this to continue,” Jangale emphasized.

Jangale revealed that the lack of licensed agents has resulted in Malawi losing out on opportunities, highlighting the need for individuals to take the necessary steps to become certified FIFA agents.

“If you think you have what it takes to be a FIFA agent, take the exam,” he challenged.

The FAM official expressed disappointment with the low turnout and poor performance in recent licensing exams.

In November 2023, over 50 individuals expressed interest, but only 11 met the requirements, and just three showed up for the actual exam, failing to make the grade.

“People register for the exams, but for the past three sessions, the outcome has been horrible,” Jangale lamented.

FAM’s crackdown on unlicensed agents aims to ensure that player transfers are conducted professionally and in accordance with FIFA regulations.

The association is urging aspiring agents to take the licensing exam seriously and obtain the necessary certification to operate legally.

The move is also expected to protect players from exploitation and ensure that they receive fair representation in transfer deals.

With the football industry growing globally, Malawi’s lack of licensed agents has hindered the country’s ability to compete on the international stage.

As FAM continues to push for compliance, local player agents are advised to take the necessary steps to obtain their licenses and avoid facing penalties.

The association’s efforts aim to raise the standards of football management in Malawi and provide a conducive environment for players to thrive.

Ministerial Absenteeism Raises Concerns in Parliament

0

By Twink Jones Gadama

The fifth meeting of the National Assembly in the 50th session of Parliament got off to a rocky start today, with legislator Joseph Mwanamvekha expressing concern over the consistent failure of ministers to attend parliamentary proceedings.

Mwanamveka

Mwanamvekha, who represents Chiladzulu South, raised the issue after noting that Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale was absent and had delegated his counterpart, Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda, to respond to questions on his behalf.

The legislator argued that certain issues require the physical presence of ministers, and their absence hinders effective governance.

“This is not the first time we are experiencing this,” Mwanamvekha said. “It’s becoming a habit, and we need to address it.”

Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara acknowledged the concern and asked Leader of the House and Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda to ensure that ministers attend parliamentary proceedings.

“We need to take this matter seriously,” Gotani Hara said. “Ministers must be present to respond to questions and provide updates on their ministries.”

The absenteeism of ministers has raised questions about their commitment to their duties and the legislative process.

Legislators rely on ministers to provide critical information and answer questions, which is essential for effective oversight and governance.

Mwanamvekha’s concern is not an isolated incident.

There have been several instances where ministers have failed to attend parliamentary proceedings, leaving legislators frustrated and unable to perform their duties effectively.

The issue also raises questions about accountability and transparency in government.

If ministers are not held accountable for their actions and policies, it can lead to poor governance and erosion of trust in government.

As the National Assembly continues its session, legislators and the Speaker must ensure that ministers are held accountable for their attendance and participation in parliamentary proceedings.

This is crucial for effective governance and the smooth functioning of the legislative process.

Mchinji district intensifies border screening amid Mpox concerns

0


By Chisomo Phiri

The Mchinji District Health Office has stepped up efforts to screen people entering and exiting the district’s border post, aimed at containing the possible threats of Mpox.

This comes just a week after Mpox was declared a public health concern.

Mchinji District Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Dr. Yohane Mwale, says the only concern is neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have been hit hard.

Mchinji District Hospital



Mwale says the district has not recorded any cases so far; however, it is on high alert to further engage communities to avoid close contact with infected or suspected persons, practice regular hand-washing, among others.

Mpox is a viral disease with symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that spreads across the body.

According to health experts, its transmission to humans is through contact with infected animals, and among humans, it spreads through direct contact with an infected person and through sexual intercourse, with no treatment available.

According to the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDCP), 1,456 people have died in Africa since January 2022.

Govt urged to expedite Mangochi-Makanjira road project

0

By Chisomo Phiri

People from Traditional Authorities (T/As) Makanjira and Lulanga have appealed to the government to expedite the construction of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road to ease the challenges they encounter when accessing essential services in Mangochi Town.

Their appeal comes at a time when the government, some months ago, announced that it had secured funds from Saudi Arabia to embark on the construction of the road.

“We are struggling to access referral health services at Mangochi District Hospital.

“Whenever we are referred there, we always know that we will meet challenges in reaching the hospital,” said Hawa Mdala, a 65-year-old woman from Mpilipili in T/A Makanjira.

Her counterpart, Ajala Imedi from Ndete Village in the same area, mentioned the struggles people experience in going to the town to get goods for sale and access banking services.

She said:”I do not know if we are indeed citizens or aliens. Our farmers are even failing to access their gardens because of damaged bridges. We do not know what will happen when the rains start this year.”

On his part, Senior Chief Makanjira said that by now, he expected the road construction to have started.

However, when contacted, Ministry of Transport Public Relations Officer Watson Maingo could not mention the exact date when the construction of the road will begin, saying there are many paperwork processes happening before the actual work can commence.

BAT ground construction phase 2 to begin in October – Kamata

0

By Chisomo Phiri

Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) Chief Executive Officer Henry Kamata says the second phase of the construction of the BAT Ground will commence between October and December 2024.

Henry Kamata

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Kamata added that the identification of a contractor for the 17,000-capacity stadium will be known when the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority completes its vetting process.

He said the stadium will also have an office complex for the referees, dressing rooms, a media gallery, and a running track.

Kamata indicated that the office complex will be used to generate funds for sustaining their operations and maintenance.