Mzuzu-based Moyale CDSS are this year’s Airtel Rising Star Under-17 champions in the boys category after beating Matindi Private Secondary School from Blantyre 1-0.
The match was played at a packed Kamuzu Institute of Sports (KIS) in Lilongwe.
The loss was a shocker for Matindi who were being coached by Peter Mponda. Secondly, the team had players from Surestream Football Academy, where Mponda is the technical director.
In the ladies category, New Version of Lilongwe beat Masasa CDSS of Mzuzu to be crowned champions by Minister of Sports Grace Chiumia, who attended the function.
Temwa Chawinga scored the crucial goal for New Version.
Both New Version and Moyale went home K500 000 richer each for being champions while Masasa and Matindi got K350 000 each.
The minister expressed delight at the abundance of talent.
“Airtel is a true partner of government in promoting sports at grass roots. As government, we cannot do everything alone, but we need the support from the private sector. Today, we have seen so much talent through Airtel Rising Star,” said Chiumia.
Airtel Malawi compliance director Wilson Kyumba said his company is happy to shape the future Flames talent through the tournament.
“Airtel Rising Stars has and continues to enrich lives of those involved. It is gratifying to see that already some of the products from the tournament are part of the successful story of the Under-20 national team,” said Kyumba.
