Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced a new Fifa talent coach Thabo Senong who will take charge of Luwinga Inclusive Academy in Mzuzu.
The coach, whose name is Thabo be in charge of the academy for the next two years.
Senong who is of South African origin will, among other things, train kids and other coaches from various academies.
Speaking in an interview during the unveiling ceremony, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya said he is confident that the coach will help develop the countries football.
He said: “I believe his coming will help to shape the countries football. I would like to appeal to the corporate world for support so that we can become a nation that will export talent.”
“Football can be used as a good platform for economic growth. All we need is train the young ones,” he said.
Haiya stressed that the opening of FIFA-funded academy aligns with the country’s vision of transforming the game.
“As you are aware that the new coach will be in charge of Luwinga Academy and FIFA has helped us as it will be in charge of his salary,” he said.
He said the academy hosts 42 under-14 boys and girls who go to school in addition to learning football while catering for their school fees, accommodation and meals.
In his speech, the former Lesotho national team and Sukhukhune mentor hailed FAM for funding the establishment of the academy.
“Our mandate as Fifa is to make sure that we assist with talent identification and development from a young level. Talent shines very well when we create a safe environment,” he said.
The South African was last in charge of Singida Fountain Gate FC in Tanzania earlier this year.
He proved his mettle in talent development after steering Amajimbos to the 2017 and 2019 editions of Fifa World Cup finals for Under-20.
Senong has been assigned to Malawi under the Fifa Talent Development Scheme, the brainchild of the world football governing body’s chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger.
