The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has certified 29 students from the University of Malawi (UNIMA) after successfully completing a week-long basic referee’s course held at the university’s campus in Zomba.
The training involved 26 male and three female participants and was facilitated by FIFA/CAF Referees Instructor Michael Makoto alongside Bernadette Kwimbira, a member of FAM’s Referees Committee.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Executive Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr Emmanuel Ngwira commended FAM for extending football development into academic institutions.
“We are proud to see our students being equipped with skills that can contribute to national football development while also creating opportunities for personal growth and professionalism,” said Ngwira.
FAM Referees Development Manager Duncan Lengani said the initiative forms part of the association’s broader vision to modernise refereeing in Malawi.
“We want to build a modern generation of referees that is educated, disciplined and ready to serve the game professionally. Universities provide a strong foundation for that vision,” said Lengani.
One of the participants, Luis Mbewe, described the programme as highly impactful.
“This training has changed the way I understand football officiation. It has given us confidence and knowledge that will help us contribute positively to the game,” said Mbewe.
Under its Transforming the Game agenda, FAM continues to target university students as part of efforts to develop a new generation of professional and competent match officials in Malawi.
