Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, 28 March 2024 - The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has taken a significant step towards enhancing football development in the country by donating footballs and expressing eagerness to collaborate with Members of Parliament (MPs) to further improve the sport.
FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, announced these initiatives during a briefing held today at the Parliament building before Minister of Sports Uchizi Mkandawire, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara and other ministers.
The donation of five footballs each to 193 constituencies aims at grassroots football development underscores FAM's commitment to nurturing talent from an early age and at senior level during bonanza’s especially during campaign periods. President
Haiya emphasized the importance of providing adequate equipment to schools and local district football clubs to facilitate skill development and promote participation in the sport.
"We believe that investing in grassroots football is vital for the long-term success of Malawian football. By donating footballs to schools and communities across the country, we aim to create a conducive environment for young talent to thrive," stated Haiya.
On the other hand, Mkandawire commended FAM's efforts, highlighting the positive impact such initiatives would have on youth engagement and sports development.
"The government fully supports FAM's endeavors to promote football at the grassroots level. Initiatives like these not only encourage physical activity but also instill discipline and teamwork among our youths," remarked Mkandawire.
In addition to the equipment donation, FAM expressed a keen interest in collaborating with Members of Parliament to enact policies that foster football development nationwide.
Speaker Gotani Hara welcomed FAM's proposal, stressing the importance of leveraging legislative support to address challenges and unlock opportunities in the football sector.
"As representatives of the people, Members of Parliament play a crucial role in advocating for policies that advance sports development, including football. FAM's willingness to collaborate with MPs signifies a proactive approach towards addressing the needs of the football community," stated Gotani Hara.
FAM hailed MPS for always aiding football development noting total contributions of up to K2 billion Kwacha.
The collaboration between FAM and Parliament holds promise for addressing various issues affecting football in Malawi, including infrastructure development, talent identification, and capacity building. By working together, stakeholders aim to create an enabling environment for football to thrive, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic growth of the nation.