FAM asks newly CAF B graduated coaches to be professional, promises good working conditions

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has called on 24 newly graduated coaches to maintain high professional standards while pledging to improve their working conditions as they begin implementing skills gained from the CAF B licensing course.

FAM President Fleetwood Haiya made the appeal on Monday in Blantyre during the graduation ceremony for coaches who successfully completed the theory section of the CAF B licensing course that began in May. Of the 25 students who enrolled, 24 coaches – 20 men and 4 women – reached the finish line.

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“You must remain committed to working with FAM and avoid conducting yourselves like politicians. We want you to be professional and to make a difference where you are working,” Haiya told the graduates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining standards that reflect well on Malawi football.

Responding to concerns about coach welfare raised by the graduates’ representative Victor Mphande, Haiya promised concrete support measures. The FAM President pledged that the association will continue collaborating with the National Coaches Association to improve working conditions for qualified coaches.

In an immediate gesture of support, Haiya personally committed to covering the graduates’ return transport costs, addressing one of the practical challenges facing coaches in their professional development.

Mphande, who serves as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ goalkeeper trainer, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues while highlighting their potential. “The qualified have potential,” he said, before appealing to FAM to consider providing national team kits to newly certified coaches as additional motivation.

“High standards expected, plans to introduce CAF A courses”

Head of Coaching and Coach Educator John “Library” Kaputa reminded the graduates that their newfound qualifications come with expectations to deliver excellence. He advised them to prove their readiness by applying learned skills at their respective clubs, noting that their practical performance will be assessed against international standards.

“The monitoring system we were introduced to in Morocco is tough, so you must work hard to meet the required benchmarks,” Kaputa explained, setting clear expectations for the coaches’ future performance.

Kaputa also revealed that plans are underway to introduce CAF A courses next year, providing a clear pathway for continued professional development.

National Football Coaches Association Chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni appealed for the newly qualified coaches to be integrated into FAM’s ongoing projects, including talent identification and nurturing programs at facilities like the Luwinga Technical Center Football Academy.

Nankhuni praised FAM for maintaining recognition of the coaches association despite it being delisted from FAM affiliates during the association’s Annual General Meeting on June 28 this year, suggesting a collaborative approach to developing Malawi’s coaching capacity.

The graduation represents a significant milestone in FAM’s efforts to improve coaching standards across Malawi football, with the association balancing demands for professionalism with commitments to support coach welfare and development.