Grassroots football in Malawi is gaining momentum with school children now at the centre of the movement.
Schools such as Blantyre Girls and Namiwawa Primary schools are leading the way. The two schools recently participated in the 2024 Soccer Festival held at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Namatapa and Chisawani primary schools were among the four teams that participated.
Although still in primary school, the young players displayed outstanding skill, teamwork and determination, qualities that many coaches believe are key to building future football stars.
“These girls are full of passion and energy. What they need is opportunity and consistent support. That’s how you build strong athletes, from the ground up,” said Joyce Chikho, Blantyre District Sports Officer.
The festival was organised by the Malawi Grassroots Soccer Development Foundation (MGSDF), a non-profit organisation committed to nurturing young talent in schools and communities across the country.
MGSDF founder Willy Yabwanya Phiri believes primary schools are the perfect starting point for long-term football development.
“If we want to grow as a footballing nation, we must invest in our youth. These children are eager to learn and play. Our job is to give them the platform to do so,” he said in a pre-recorded video message.
According to MGSDF, grassroots development is not just about creating prospective national players but also building confidence, discipline and leadership among the youth.
Football is being used as a tool to teach life skills, promote gender equality, and keep children active and motivated.
Therefore, Vortnet, a UK-based partner organisation supported MGSDF’s efforts by donating jerseys to four girls’ teams that took part in the event.
Champions Namatapa and runners-up Chisawani while Blantyre Girls and Chisawani received after the festival due to logistical challenges.
As the girls continue training and participating in more tournaments, teachers and sports leaders hope to see more schools follow in the footsteps of Blantyre Girls and Namiwawa.
