The Football Players Association (FPA) and the Football Legends Association (FLA) have hailed their inclusion in Football Association of Malawi (FAM) meetings as a “huge milestone” in the transformation of football administration in the country.
The two bodies made the remarks after attending an Extraordinary General Meeting convened by FAM on Tuesday, where they were invited as observers.
During the meeting, FAM allocated K10 million each to the FPA and the FLA to support their administrative and operational activities in the coming year.
FPA General Secretary Ernest Mangani thanked FAM President Fleetwood Haiya for involving players in the administrative structures of football, describing the move as a significant step forward.
“This is going to give motivation to football players. It is giving us hope that football is transforming, and this is a milestone in the history of football. We are happy that FAM is able to recognise players as a very important stakeholder in the football industry,” said Mangani.
He also welcomed the K10 million allocation to the FPA, saying it would enhance administrative capacity and support awareness campaigns aimed at helping players better understand the role and importance of their association.
Football Legends Association chairperson Jim Kalua also expressed gratitude to Haiya for the financial support and partnership, noting that the growing relationship with FAM is already contributing to the development of the game.
“Ever since FAM has been with us, and with the Memorandum of Understanding which we signed, it just solidifies the relationship and I know going forward there should be more that we will be doing,” Kalua said.
Meanwhile, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya announced that the FPA and FLA will now be included in all FAM meetings as part of the association’s commitment to inclusive football governance.
