Germany pledges technical support

The German government has made a commitment to support the country’s football through deployment of experts that will help enhance the technical development of the most popular sport domestically.

The European nation’s ambassador to Malawi Jürgen Borsch said this in Lilongwe yesterday during the handover of sports equipment to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The donation included 80 training and match balls, 40 jerseys and whistles.

Borsch said the experts, who will be part of a programme involving the German Football Association and government, will be expected in the country once the Covid-19 pandemic has been tamed.

“I am in touch with the Germany Football League and Football Association in Frankfurt. We want to send some trainers to promote sports, specifically football and make it known to everybody. We want sports to spread out to all parts of the country,” he said.

Borsch said the German government has already been assisting in the development of sports infrastructure as part of its efforts to improve grass roots sports.

“We, as German government, have supported through local development fund and other projects the new stadiums in Rumphi, Karonga and other places. This is good for young people to develop talent and team spirit,” he said.

On the donation, the ambassador stated it was part of equipping teams to revamp sports after the shutdown of the industry in response to Covid-19.

Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama applauded the German Government for the support, saying it will address equipment challenges that derail sports growth.

“We will plan as a ministry on how to distribute the equipment. I can promise you, we will make good use of it,” he said. On the pledged technical support, Msungama said Malawi football will benefit a lot because Germany “is one of the most advanced football countries which produce fantastic technical personnel” .