Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya has urged its member associations to take a leading role in conserving environment by planting more trees in the country.

Haiya said this on Tuesday when he led the Malawi National Women’s Football team in a tree planting exercise along the bypass road between Chinyonga and Kamuzu Highway in Blantyre.

The president said he thought of leading the tree planting exercise as one way of conserving the environment.

“Football is played by the players who leave in the communities where we need this nature, one of which being the trees. We thought it wise that we should give back to the nature.

” We thought that while the Scorchers are camping in preparation for the two games in Zambia, as we are preparing for Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifies games, that we should come and plant these trees. This is not the first time; you may recall that last year we also planted trees when we had the four Nations tournament as FIFA do encourage us to look after the environment so this is the task that as football lovers, we need to take,” he said.

Blantyre City Mayor, His Worship Joseph Makwinja appreciated the gesture by FAM stating that the support will significantly contribute to restoring the environment within the city.

“We are very glad for this noble cause demonstrated by FAM President, as you aware that trees are life let me thank Mr Haiya for taking the leading role.

“We have planted 40 trees today, let me take this opportunity to urge people to take care of these trees,” Makwinja Said.

Scorcher’s captain, Temwa Chawinga applauded president Haiya for this great initiative and urged her fellow players and teams to embrace the culture of planting more trees.

The scorchers will play Zambia Copper queens on Saturday 22nd February and the second game will be played on Tuesday 25th February 2025.