Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu Manda on Saturday launched M’mera mpoyamba football initiative which aims at developing grassroot level football.

In an interview after the launch at Nsedi ground in Chiradzulu, Nyamilandu Manda said, through the initiative, young football players aged between 14 and 16 will be nurtured through volunteer coaches in different townships of Blantyre city.

“We want to keep our young players busy during weekends by imparting football skills into them, I am sure volunteer coaches that we will enroll will will do a good job in the townships and help our football development,” he said.

He added that the programme will unearth more talented football players which will help in strengthening top tier youth teams and even national football teams.

National Youth Football Association general secretary James Sawerengera said the initiative will enhance the youth development pyramid and ensure organised graduation of players from one level to another.

“We are very excited with this initiative as it will expand our horizons into the communities on top of the established junior leagues in urban areas,” said Sawerengera.

Hash Academy coach Andrew Maluwa applauded FAM for the initiative saying it will help in lessening some of the problems which teams have been facing such as lack of resources.

During the event, FAM donated football assorted items such as footballs, uniform, shin pads and cons.