By Crispin Kapindira
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced that the Malawi National Team will not participate in the 2024 COSAFA tournament.
The decision comes in after the tragic passing of State Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others, who lost their lives in a recent plane incident.
The government has declared a 21-day mourning period, during which FAM deemed it insensitive to proceed with preparations and participation in the championship.
The COSAFA tournament, which is scheduled for 26th June to 7th July, will now take place from 13th July 2024. FAM expressed its regret to stakeholders and the public but emphasized the importance of showing respect to the departed souls.
While the Flames will miss this year’s COSAFA tournament, FAM remains committed to the technical development and growth of the national team. To maintain competitive readiness, FAM plans to arrange a series of international friendly matches in the near future.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the State President, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the bereaved family of Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and the families of the other victims,” reads the statement released by FAM.
The withdrawal from COSAFA serves as a tribute to those who lost their lives, and FAM hopes that stakeholders and the public will understand and support this bold decision.
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