Sports
Coach’s Bonus Angers Malawi Captain
Malawi captain, Joseph Kamwendo has hit out at a US$10,000 win bonus being offered to new coach Tom Saintfiet.
The Belgian coach is not being paid a salary and will only get the bonus if the Flames beat Nigeria in September’s winner-takes all World Cup qualifier.
With Malawi players getting just US$85 for a win, Kamwendo described Saintfiet’s proposed bonus of US$10,000 as an insult.
“Why don’t they (Malawi FA) make such offers to players?” Kamwendo demanded.
“Why should we continue to have our services not appreciated yet they are ready to splash out huge sums of money to one person?
“We’ve been fighting for an increase in game bonuses and allowances for a long time but the Fam have ignored us,” he said.
Saintfiet, who has only initially agreed to coach the Flames for two months, defended his position as he held his first press conference as coach last week.
He insists he only accepted the Flames coaching job because he believes he can help Malawi qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
“In the last weeks I got offers from clubs in South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia and Lebanon,” he said.
“If I had decided last week to go to Lebanon I would have earned four-times that amount in the next two months whether I had won or lost that was secured money.
“So if I’d come to Malawi just for the bonus I’d be very stupid, I’d have signed somewhere else if money was important to me.
“I’m not here for money and that is the reason why I volunteered – I’m here because I have a dream that Malawi is a country that can go to the World Cup.”
Saintfiet’s arrival even led to one concerned citizen filing a court injunction to stop the football association from hiring Saintfiet, but his case was rejected.
The coach has been backed by FA president Walter Nyamilandu.
“We’ve never qualified for the World Cup and Saintfiet is a coach with vast experience who can help us realise our dream,” he said.
“We should appreciate that he is not demanding much.”
Malawi is second in Group F of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, two points behind leaders Nigeria.
The Flames must win the game in Nigeria to reach the final round of play-offs, while a draw will be enough for the Super Eagles.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News17 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business7 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation19 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News17 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers7 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers7 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers7 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH