FAM academy set to take off
The long-awaited Football Association of Malawi (FAM) academy is set to take off at Luwinga Technical Development Centre in Mzuzu with the first cohort of 27 players.
FAM technical director Benjamin Kumwenda led the selection exercise last weekend in Lilongwe.
In an interview yesterday, he said the 27 were selected out of 81 players who took part.
Said Kumwenda: “The boys who participated in the selection process include the 40, who were identified during the Under-14 League Rough Diamonds finals while others were selected through the grass roots football activities.
“The Luwinga Inclusive Academy will be a residential academy where all the players will be residing and doing their studies.
“We will meet with the parents and guardians of the selected players in June so that they understand what the academy is all about and how it will work.”
Kumwenda added that before going full throttle, the boys will have a min-camp to test and assess the facility.
FAM is also expected to choose a girls’ team to be part of the academy.
During his visit the country last year, Fifa director for member associations responsible for Africa Gelson Fernandes promised a full package for the academy, is including quality education, soccer and social behaviour etiquette.
He was quoted in The Nation as having said that Fifa will in the first year pump in $150 000 (about K262.6 million) and $100 000 (about K175 million) in the second year.
Malawi is among three African countries selected to establish inclusive football academies that will, among others, teach young players best footballing techniques and how they can prepare for life outside football.
The other countries are Mauritania and Djibouti.
