By Wellington Sibale

Neno, February 19, Mana: Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) says it expects football activities to grow in Neno following a seven-day FAM D coaching course currently underway at Lisungwi in the district for local coaches.

Speaking during the opening of the training on Tuesday, Sports and Recreational Development Officer for the Southern Region, Gracian Mkandawire emphasized the importance of the course in strengthening sports development.

He said the initiative, aimed at equipping local coaches with essential skills and is expected to contribute significantly to grassroots football growth in the district and the country at large.

"Neno has long been overlooked in football coaching courses. So we saw the need to empower local coaches with the necessary skills to develop young athletes," said Mkandawire adding that they anticipate that around 900 people will benefit from the initiative, as each participant is expected to implement the knowledge gained.

Neno District Sports Officer, Memory Baluwa, echoed similar sentiments, saying the course has great impact on the local community.

"This training is particularly valuable for Neno Lower because most of our coaches had never received formal training," she explained. "Now, with 30 men and women equipped with firsthand knowledge, communities will directly benefit from their expertise."

However, Baluwa acknowledged the challenges facing sports development in the district, including limited human resources and governance issues.

She said despite the setbacks, there are efforts to train more coaches and expand the program to include referees.

"We are committed to grassroots football development in Neno. With these newly trained coaches, we expect to see the establishment of youth teams, including Under-12 and Under-15 squads, which will serve as a foundation for their coaching careers," she added.

Chairperson of the Lisungwi Zone Football Committee, Alfred Kang'onbe praised MNCS, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), and Neno District Council for organizing the training.

"This course is a game-changer. In the past, we coached teams without proper knowledge, but now we will have a clear understanding of how to groom young players effectively," Kang'ombe said.

The coaching course, being attended by 30 participants, is a collaborative effort between MNCS, FAM, and the Neno District Council.