Fifa to build stadium in Nsanje
The world football governing body Fifa has pledged to upgrade Nsanje Community Ground into a morden stadium.
In an interview on Monday, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said discussions are at an advanced stage and the project might take off next year.
He said following FAM’s request for the project, Fifa officials recently inspected the ground.
Nyamilandu said Shire Valley districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa do not have a standard sports facility that can afford people an opportunity to enjoy elite football action following the closure of Kalulu Stadium in Nchalo, Chikwawa, four years ago.
He said: “We have seen a lot of football grounds that are bare and dusty, mostly in rural areas. This makes it difficult for players to effectively display their skills. If we have a good facility in the district, it could be a catalyst for good and entertaining football in the Lower Shire.
“I have been discussing with Fifa to see how they can support this project because they identified Nsanje as being a prone area to cyclones and floods. Now, discussions are at an advanced stage and Fifa will come next year to upgrade Nsanje Community Centre Ground into a modern stadium.”
Nyamilandu said FAM is hopeful that the upgrading will not only happen in Nsanje, but also extend to other rural areas across the country.
“It is my hope that it will not only be in Nsanje. The good progress happening in other districts such as Dedza, Ntcheu and Thyolo, should also get into other areas, including Mwanza, Phalombe and Chikwawa,” the FAM boss said.
Traditional Authority Ngabu, who graced the launch of FAM Under-14 and Under-16 Community Project at Khulubvi in Nsanje, said the Shire Valley districts have football talent but poor infrastructures is a major setback.
“Recently, a number of our sons were called for trials by some top clubs in Blantyre, but they failed to make the grade not because they didn’t have skills, but due to inexperience of playing on standard pitches. Once we have a modern stadium, our football will improve,” he said.
National Youth Football Association general secretary James Sawerengera concurred with the chief that rural football development will be much better with better facilities.
