Girls grass roots football tourney impresses FAM
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it is impressed with the impact of a girls grass roots football mini-tournament which started two weeks ago.
Speaking in an interview, FAM technical development officer responsible for grass roots football Benjamin Kumwenda said the tournament has offered a platform for FAM to spot talent in the districts.
“We are happy with the girls grassroot football mini-tournament which targets girls aged between eight and 12. We have seen potential talent so far in Chitipa, Dedza and Mulanje and this weekend we will be in Mchinji and Chiradzulu,” he said.
Kumwenda said the five-a-aside tournament is funded by Fifa and aimed at motivating young girls to develop an interest in women’s football at a tender age.
On his part, Mulanje District education desk officer Stanley Khofi applauded the concept, saying it will improve the standards of women’s football in the district.
“The initiative is encouraging girls to have an interest in women’s football because we have never had such programmes in the district,” he said.
“This can also help the girls to appreciate the importance of sport, especially women’s football.”
A Mulanje Mission Primary School learner Leah Phiri said the tournament has inspired her to take women’s football seriously. “I play women’s football, but with this programme, it has motivated me to play for one of the top clubs,” she said.
