Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya says organised football programs in schools is a powerful tool to promote education by reducing school dropouts and absenteeism.
Haiya made the remarks when he presented assorted football equipment to Salima and Malindi Girls Secondary Schools as part of their prizes from the 2022 CAF Schools Championship .
He said the CAF schools championship programme provides a platform to ensure that the students have dedicated coaches, and the right leadership to keep them engaged in both football and academics.
” It is on record that most students quit school to play football in communities. This is because there are no structured football programmes in most schools.
“The CAF Championship programme and the FAM transforming the game drive is championing the setting up of these structures that will ensure that students are playing competitive in schools and at the same time concentrating on education.
“The coming in of the prizes is a testament that what ever CAF promised will be delivered. This equipment will play an important role in developing the game in the two schools. There are other infrastructure projects that will also be fulfilled at the two schools as part of the same programme,” said Haiya.
Malindi headteacher John Tepani thanked CAF for the equipment which he said will boost the performance of their teams.
“The students will be happy to use this high-end equipment which we have been waiting for some time,” said Tepani.
Among the equipment received are football boots, footballs, uniforms, tracksuits, training bibs and equipment bags.
Malindi Secondary placed third in the zonal competition received US $50,000 while Salima who finished second in the Zonal competition and third in the international competition received US$225,000.
As per the rules and regulations of the competition the schools do not receive the prizes in cash but must apply for specific projects which CAF funds directly.
Salima applied for four projects namely the installation of electrical cooking pots at the schools which was implemented in 2024, football equipment as well as the rehabilitation of the school’s football pitch and installation of a maize mill which will be initiated this year.
On the other hand, Malindi applied for four projects namely football equipment, purchase of desks, construction of change rooms and rehabilitation of the football pitch.
