FMB stars dominate Under-17 national team

The National Youth Football Committee (NYFC) has hailed the FMB for developing stars who have dominated the current Under-17 national football team.

The Junior Flames team that defeated Botswana in the CAF Youth Championship tournament on Saturday at Silver Stadium had 11 players from the FMB League.

The players are the two-goal hero Brian Phiri, man of the match Gibson Kaunda, Thokozani Harrison, Peter Chembezi, goalkeeper Dalitso Makunganya, Isaac Mwala, Vincent Chavi, Wongani Kuchipatsa, Lovemore Jere and Boston Kalua.

FAM technical director Jack Chamangwana hailed FMB’s contribution to football, saying even the Under-20 national team has also benefited a lot from the league.

“It is a proud achievement for both the sponsors and the organisers of the league. It is clear that the purpose of the league has been achieved. We commend FMB for nurturing national talent which is now bearing fruit,” said Chamangwana.

NYFC has also expressed satisfaction at following FAM’s inclusion of real age group in the Under-17 national team which has seen the bulk of the players coming from the FMB League.

“It has been our plea for a long time that youth competitions should comprise players from the youth leagues rather than from the Super League,” said NYFC general secretary Alfred Lungu.

He also commended FMB for sponsoring youth football in the country.

“The relationship is bearing fruit every year and I have no doubt that the talent seen on Saturday will translate into Flames’ success one day and more credit will be to FMB. Other companies should also come in and emulate FMB’s example,” said Lungu.

Meanwhile Chamangwana expressed optimism that Malawi can carry the day in Botswana next weekend.