District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level

FAM says the District Football Leagues will bridge the gap between elite football and lower levels and ensure systematic football structures at all levels across the country.

The Association’s President Walter Nyamilandu Manda made the remarks on Saturday afternoon during the launch of the FAM Districts League for Northern Region at Chiwaza ground in Chintcheche, Nkhatabay.

District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level
Nyamilandu Manda ( Centre) hands over the trophy to local chiefs

Nyamilandu said the Leagues will offer a platform for every young player in the rural areas to blossom and achieve their dreams of playing football at top level.

“It has been our dream to have organised football structures at lower levels across the country to bridge the gap with elite football.

“We know the large population particularly the youth come from the rural areas and the competitions we had were not able to reach out to every corner of the country.

District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level
Nyamilandu

“Now that we have established these District Leagues, every talent will be given an opportunity to blossom and play for the flames. We have serious ambitions to take Malawi football forward and this can only happen if we identify the best talent in the country. This talent is hidden somewhere in the rural areas and we will be able to unleash that talent through these leagues,” said Nyamilandu.

District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level
Nyamilandu pose with match officials

He pleaded with government through the Local government authorities to ensure that all districts have stadiums to offer proper venues for the Leagues.

“For football to develop we should have the right resources and the stadia is a critical resource for the talent we have to flourish.

“We have a lot of spaces across the country which must be utilized.  We will be talking to local government that while this competition is taking places, they should construct low-cost stadiums for these leagues,” he said.

District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level
Alide

FAM Competitions Committee Chairperson Jabbar Alide said the Leagues will help to put in place a proper competition structure for relegation and promotion in Regional Leagues.

“Going forward we will use the district leagues to feed into the Regional Leagues on top of developing talent for national teams,” said Alide.

Northern Region Football League Chairperson Dr. Lameck Khonje said: “As chairperson of NRFA all I can say is thank you FAM president for giving us the long-awaited gift of District Leagues. We are very excited and football development is back in communities.”

District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level
Dr Khonje

FAM in March last year unveiled a package of K60 million for the League and each of the 29 Football Districts League will get K 2 million.

The Leagues, which were supposed to kick off in May last year but were put on hold due to COV ID-19, will kick off on 31st July, 2021

District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level
District leagues to bridge gap between elite and lower level

Kawiya Eagles and Chichiri FC drew 1-1 in a ceremonial match played in Chintheche to spice up the Northern Region launch. Similar events will be held for the Central Region on 31st August in Salima and for the Southern Region on 7th August in Nsanje.

April 22, 2025

FAM Announces Airtel Top 8 Quarterfinal Second Leg Fixtures

The Football Association of Malawi has announced that the second leg of the 2025 Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal between...
April 22, 2025

FAM Rolls Out Elite Referees Training Nationwide

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has commenced a nationwide elite referees training program aimed at improving officiating standards...
April 21, 2025

Malawi Coach reacts to CAF Schools finals draw

The Malawi Schools Girls National team Head Coach Bridget Chirwa is confident her charges will get past the group...
April 21, 2025

2024 BEACH SOCCER NATIONAL FINALS READY TO ROLL

The National Beach Soccer Association on Monday conducted the draw for the 2024 Beach Soccer National Championship, which is...
April 21, 2025

FAM MOURNS OSMAN

The Football Association of Malawi is deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Mighty Wanderers Technical Director Yasin...
April 21, 2025

2024 beach soccer championship draw set for today

The draw for the 2024 Beach Soccer National Championship is set to take place today at Silver Stadium, starting...