FAM launches M’mera Mpoyamba initiative

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has slaunched the M’mera Mpoyamba Initiative aimed at developing talent from the grass roots.

During the launch at Sedi ground in Chiradzulu on Saturday,  FAM president Walter Nyamilandu Manda said  the initiative will see players aged between the ages 14 and 16 being selected and nurtured by volunteer coaches through weekly matches.

He said they were hopeful that the project will help unearth players that can strengthen youth   and junior national teams.

“We have football talents in abundance in our townships, which do not go far due to lack of exposure. But through this initiative, the young

players will be kept busy during weekends as the volunteer coaches will be identifying and nurturing the talent,”  said Nyamilandu.

Meanwhile, the local football governing body has equipped  two teams that played during the launch ceremony, Hashy Academy and Jamaica FC, with equipment such as football boots,  match balls, uniform, shin pads and  cones.

FAM has also promised to register and support Hashy Academy in the imminent FAM Under-16 League following their 2-0 victory over Jamaica FC.

National Youth Football Association general secretary James Sawerengera has welcomed the initiative, saying it will further improve the youth development pyramid and ensure systematic nurturing of talent.

“This will balance the equation in terms of talent development because apart from focusing on talents in established junior leagues, we will also be able to slot in raw talent from the communities,” he said.

Hashy Academy coach Andrew Maluwa and midfielder Ratif Driano, who was named player of the match, appreciated FAM’s initiative, saying it will go a long way in creating a room for untapped talent to shine.