Namasala Soccer Academy has emphasized on the need for the country to set standards for youth football structures to produce talented footballers.
Managing Director of the Academy Wesley Thokozani Namasala told ProjectM that lack of proper structures at the grass root level is one of the factors affecting the performance of Super League teams and the national team.
He adds: Our friends in Europe start investing in youth football from the ages of 5 and 7. In Malawi, you find someone playing in the elite league without going through a vibrant development programme. We cannot keep on hiring and firing coaches while we are failing to put sustainable structures at grassroots level.”
Namasala said his efforts are to contribute to the growth of the club and earn recognition as a key figure in youth football development in the country.
But despite his efforts, youth football development is facing a number of challenges such as football equipment, transportation, accommodation among others.
Jane Smart Howa, grandmother to Chikondi Howa, who plays in the Under 16 team, expressed gratitude for the academy’s efforts.
“My grandchild’s behaviour has changed and I would like to ask my fellow parents to send their children to Namasala Soccer Academy where they can excel on the field, develop essential life skills and character traits,” she said.
Recently, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya announced that the Association has allocated K363 Million for youth development and K487 Million for FAM funded competitions during a consultative meeting held in Salima last month.
Wesley Thokozani Namasala can be reached at: 0992 194 120/ 0881 982 621
