Football Association of Malawi (Fam) says Beach Soccer has proven that it has potential to win big on the international stage if it is well supported.

President Walter Nyamilandu made the remarks on Saturday when he launched the 2023 Beach Soccer season in Karonga District.

He said the national team’s 2022 AFCON qualification on first attempt is a testimony of the capabilities that the game has .

“ As FAM we will continue to invest in beach soccer because we have seen the fruits. Within a short period and with meagre resources we have qualified for AFCON. We will intensify search for more sponsors so that we make the game more competitive which in turn will strengthen our national teams.

“ We want to go beyond AFCON qualification achievement and qualify for the World Cup,” he said.

He added that FAM plans to bring the game to cities by constructing Beach Soccer facilities across the Country.

During the launch,  Fam also donated footballs to Beach Soccer Association  .

Meanwhile,  Beach Soccer Association  of Malawi General  Secretary, Wakisa Mwambetania said they have hiked prize money for the champions at the centre from K1 million to K 1. 5 million for this season which will spearhead competition amongst teams.

“This is the first time to launch the league here,  it was taking place in Mangochi,  Salima whilst we also have talent here.  Fam has taken a right direction of taking the sport to cities  because we want it to be everywhere and this is the time.  It will also attract patronage hence our league will be marketed easily, ” Mwambetania said.

The league is being sponsored by Fam to a tune of K35 million and is played in five Zones namely Karonga, Nkhatabay, Nkhotakota, Salima and Mangochi.