Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Football Legends Association for effective collaboration in transforming Malawi football.

The signing ceremony took place at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe this morning.

The partnership is among other things aimed at building the capacity and improving the welfare of the football legends in the country.

Fam 1^st Vice President Madalitso Kuyera said the signing of the partnership, is a milestone for the association and underlines the absolute commitment of Fam to give stronger voice to all those directly involved in the game.

’’As we transform the game, we realise the mutual benefit of collaboration with legends in recognising all those who have achieved something significant in the game.

’’This working relationship will ensure we join hands and speak with one voice in a bid to build and protect the Fam brand,’’ said Kuyera.

He further said, Fam acknowledges that former players are not actively involved in association football programmes and hence their knowledge is underutilised while the game is lacking such resource to develop.

’’The partnership, therefore, is going to come up with programmes to support the welfare of the legends, incorporate and involve legends in active association football development activities and jointly mobilise resources,’’ said Kuyera.

FLA Board Chairperson Jim Kalua, who is also the founder of the association, hailed the partnership.

Kalua said the partnership will help to improve the welfare of the legends.

’’I am very excited that we have reached this far. It has really taken time but for sure, we had hope that this will be done. On behalf of the board members, I am excited.

’’We are expecting a lot from this partnership as we have a good working relationship with Fam and this will be a continuation so expect a lot from this marriage. It is our dream to make sure that the legends are utilised as they have a lot of knowledge,’’ Kalua said.

Kalua was accompanied by football legends Kinnah Phiri, Young Chimodzi Snr and Peterkins Kayira among others.

 Specific Roles and Responsibilities

The Football Legends Association shall:

1. Initiate and maintain the membership of football legends with clear definition, set criteria and categorisation of Legends and former players.
2. Maintain the database of the legends categorised based on
   • Competence and expertise
   • Age
   • Location
   • Gender
3. Conduct periodic system reviews and draw proposals for capacity building and Vocational Skills training based on members needs.
4. Develop categories of welfare activities and guidelines enabling members to assess welfare assistance.
5. Develop yearly programme of events and share with FAM for exploring collaboration opportunities.

The Football Association of Malawi shall:

1. Facilitate the incorporation and involvement of legends, using FAM existing structures and procedures, in Football development activities like:
   • Scouting
   • Counselling
   • Mentorship
   • Role models for future generations
   • Match Organisation (Commissioning and General Coordination)
   • Technical Study groups for local competitions
   • Coaching
   • Administrative assignments like Player registration
   • Ambassadorial roles
2. Facilitate, where applicable vocational skills training and part time assignments for legends as part of welfare.
3. Facilitate invitations for Legends to FAM activities like Football Matches.
4. Facilitate, where applicable, availability of FAM personnel and resources at football legends activities.
5. Cooperate in developing concepts aimed at jointly mobilising resource and facilitate implementation.
6. Facilitate where applicable, collaborations with other International Football Legends groupings.