The development comes a few weeks after Capital Hill announced that Mwase’s contract was ready, but he was yet to sign, citing several elements that delayed the process.

Confirming the development, Symon Mbvundula, spokesperson in the ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, has told Zodiak online that the contract has delayed because government’s Human Resources Department, responsible for hiring civil servants, was implementing other processes since Capital Hill didn’t have the post of Flames Head Coach in its system.

“There was not post of a head coach in the government system so the authorities had to start from the scratch to create the post for the coach to be paid by the government.

“It has taken some time but now all is set for Mwase to put pen to paper,” Mbvundula said.

The previous contract, which was effected early October last year, meant that the former TN Stars gaffer would have been out of job come October this year.

However, the new contract means Mwase, who succeeded Belgian-born tactician Ronny Van Huegneden-RVG in April, will serve as Flames’ tactician until next February next year and the contract is renewable based on how the Flames will fare under Mwase’s next one-year reign.

Youth, Sports and Culture ministry’s spokesperson Symon Mbvundula says Mwase is now assured that government will be responsible for his salary and other privileges, but other elements of the contract remain unchanged, including the coach still reporting to the Football Association of Malawi.

Meanwhile, authorities from government and Football Association of Malawi are today expected to shortlist candidates for the positions of Malawi Under-17 and Under-20 head coaches.