17-year-old Copa star earns US scholarship

The future looks bright for up-and-coming goalkeeper Dalitso Chindamba whose extraordinary skills during the 2014 Copa Coca-Cola training camp in Brazil have earned him a four-year scholarship at South Carolina University in the United States of America.

The 17-year-old impressed the university’s director of sports after he became the second best goalkeeper out of 10 during the camp.

Chindamba said on Wednesday that he cannot believe that after playing for Chipasula Secondary School in the 2013 Copa Coca-Cola Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) games, his dream of becoming an educated soccer star is coming to reality.

“I do not come from a well-to-do family. After I completed my secondary education last year, I could not afford to study at a prestigious university like this one. I thank God and Coca-Cola for making things possible for me,” said the second-born in a family of three.

According to Carlsberg Malawi senior brands manager (non-alcoholics) Titha Mbilizi, Chindamba, who is yet to decide on what course to pursue at the university, is expected to leave for the US in September.

“Chindamba impressed scouts who have offered him a scholarship to study and play football at the American university. We are waiting for documentation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to prove that he is not being trafficked,” said Mbilizi.

Chindamba, who holds a Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE), is also expected to pass an English proficiency test, a prerequisite for all individuals travelling to the US.

Chindamba and Central West Education Division (Cwed) compatriot Yatina Juma, who is linked with a move to TNM Super League side Blue Eagles, made the trip to the 2014 World Cup host country as a reward for their discipline and great football skills during the 2013 Copa Coca-Cola games.

At the international training camp, the two were among 10 youngsters from southern African countries of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. At least 120 youthful players from 60 countries gathered for a week to engage in games on the sidelines of the World Cup.

Massa general secretary Blackson Malamula said it is quite relieving to note that the Copa Coca-Cola games are able to give youths opportunities to scale greater heights through football.

This year, two Copa Coca-Cola Massa games talent are also expected to represent Malawi at an international football camp in Germany.