Mota-Engil opens door for Malawi footballers

Mota-Engil and government have entered into partnership which will allow budding footballers in the country to perfect their career at Sporting Lisbon Academy in Portugal.

Mota-Engil managing director Jose Dinis da Silva disclosed this in an interview on Saturday in the capital, Lilongwe.

He said they will make an official announcement once the process is complete.

Chihana expressed gratitude to Mota-Engil for opening the door to Malawian footballers.

“Portugal has an elite professional league and it is easy for our players to get exposed to the best leagues in Europe if they excel at academy level. We have players such as Gabadinho Mhango, Micium Mhone and Chawanangwa Kaonga who can develop into world class players given right training facilities,” said Chihana.

He said he has since handed the issue to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to identify the players to go to Portugal.

“I have talked to FAM and advised them to work with Mota-Engil directly. As government, we have done our part and everything has been smoothed out. We hope FAM will act with expediency on the matter so that we should not lose this opportunity,” he said.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said he was aware of the issue.

“Yes, we discussed the issue with the minister. What now is remaining is for government to formalise the deal so that FAM can establish contacts with Sporting Academy. It is a move in the right direction,” said Nyamilandu.

Da Silva also hinted at an interest to sponsor one of the Super League clubs after being told that most clubs do not have sponsorship.