The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has launched Schools of Excellence under the FIFA Talent Identification Program to discover and nurture young football talent across the country.
The launch event took place at Kasungu Stadium, where boys and girls ranging from 10-15 years had a platform to showcase their football skills with hope of being selected for further training and development through the program.
FAM First Vice President and Chairperson of the Technical Subcommittee, Madalitso Kuyera said that this program is one of the key pillars of the Transforming the Game strategy championed by the FAM president, Fleetwood Haiya.
“We believe this is the best way to unearth and nurture talent while they are young and if we bring them together to train with the fellow best players it will help us create a pool where we can ably tap for our National teams,” Kuyera Said.
FIFA Talent Identification Coach Thabo Senong, who is among the coaches leading the program, expressed confidence in the future of Malawian football.
“The energy, discipline, and passion I saw in the young players today is very promising.
” I’m confident that, with proper guidance, Malawi will produce top-level talent through this system,” he said.
Malawi Schools Sports Association (MASSA) president Blackson Malamula thanked FAM for taking this important step.
“This initiative was long overdue. It’s encouraging to see FAM investing in grassroots football. I urge school leaders to support and encourage students to take part in football. Together, we can shape the future of football in Malawi.”
The headteacher of Chayamba Secondary School, one of the selected Schools of Excellence, expressed his excitement.
“We are honoured to be chosen for this first phase. This opportunity will motivate our learners and staff. We will fully support FAM’s goals and ensure strict safeguarding measures are in place to protect the children .We want results, and we are ready to deliver.”
For the first phase, FAM has selected seven Schools of Excellence. These include Chayamba Secondary School in Kasungu representing Central East Education Division(CEED), Katoto Secondary School in Mzuzu representing North East Education Division, Lunzu Secondary School in Blantyre representing South West Education Division (SWED), Luchenza Secondary School in Thyolo representing Shire Highlands Education Division (SHED), Masongola Secondary School in Zomba Representing South East Education Division(SEED), and Dzenza Secondary School in Lilongwe representing Central West Education Division (CWED).
