The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has concluded a two-day Talent Development Scheme (TDS) workshop at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe aimed at enhancing the country’s grassroots football.
The workshop brought together 26 participants including teachers and coaches from across the country, all united under a mission to scout, safeguard and nurture Malawi’s next generation of football stars.
The initiative is part of FAM’s long-term strategic plan aligned with the national MW2063 vision.
With support from the Ministry of Education and Malawi Schools Sports Association, the selected participants were drawn from seven schools earmarked for the establishment of Football Schools of Excellence namely Rumphi, Katoto, Chayamba, Bwaila, Masongola, Luchenza, and Lunzu Secondary Schools.
Speaking during the workshop, FAM Technical Director Benjamin Kumwenda emphasized the importance of a unified scouting methodology that focuses not only on talent but also on the holistic development of young players.
“We want all our scouts to speak the same language, to seek intelligent, technically gifted, and physically fit players. Each cluster must also identify at least three left-footed players to ensure tactical diversity.”
In addition to talent identification, Kumwenda stressed the critical issue of safeguarding.
“These children are 10, 11, 12 years old,they need protection. As FAM, we’ve built a system since launching the Luwinga Exclusive Academy, and after three years, the best players from these clusters will advance to the Luwinga Academy in Mzuzu.”
The trained coaches and teachers are also expected to train their peers, thereby expanding the reach and consistency of the program across communities.
FAM First Vice President Christopher Madalitso Kuyera reaffirmed the association’s commitment to grassroots football, noting that real transformation begins at the foundation.
“As Football Association, our aim is to transform the game and we cannot do that without grassroots football. We are fully committed to this initiative, and we invited these teachers and coaches to help us fulfill the goals set out in our manifesto,” he said.
He echoed Kumwenda’s concerns about player protection.
“These children are young. We urge all participants to prioritize their safety and well-being at every stage.”
Noel Festus M’buka, a teacher from Bwaila Secondary School, expressed his gratitude for being part of the program.
“The training is very important as it acts as an eye opener for us.
“We have learnt what to look for in talented players, and this will form the foundation of football transformation in Malawi.”
