The Maziko Sports Academy in Zomba has for the past 3 years enjoyed a chocolate éclair as two of its young footballers both aged 14 were recently identified by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), under the FDH Talent Sports
Identification Programme and Ascent Academy, a professional sports club owned by the Asian community in Lilongwe, following their outstanding performance in youth tournaments in the district.
The two include: Esther Tambala, who plays for Ascent Academy in Lilongwe as a midfielder and also as a striker while Ndaona Justin aged 14 plays for FIFA-FAM talent Development Scheme as a winger and also in midfield.
Meanwhile one of the core founding members of the Maziko Sports Academy, Misheck
Yagontha Munthali told ProjectM that, currently Esther and Ndaona have secured both education and sports scholarships by Ascent Sports Academy and FIFA-FAM Talent Development Scheme respectively.
Munthali said cumulatively, Maziko sports Academy has a total of about 60 young boys and girls with both playing soccer.
“It’s true that two of our young talented footballers have been spotted by FAM and a professional sports club in Lilongwe which is a no mean achievement for the youth football in Malawi. Our main focus is to develop a professional sports academy in Malawi where our young boys and girls will learn more about volleyball, soccer, sports discipline just to mention a few’’, Munthali said.
He then appealed to those interested in the development of grass roots sports academies in the country to come in and assist Maziko Sports Academy with any kind of support they may wish to provide for the benefit of Malawian football.
Adding up his voice, General Secretary for Zomba District youth Football Committee, Erick Njobvu thanked Maziko Sports Academy for a job well done, saying the club has put Zomba on the MAP in as far as youth football talent is concerned.
Meanwhile FAM President, Walter Nyamilandu says he is extremely happy that there’s good progress which is being made on the ground.
“It’s a highly recommendable initiative by these football Academies and we need them to help us produce talented players that can play football at a tender age because its where they are given specialized skills. This is how the West and North African Countries have made it through by establishing football academies which have produced notable players such as Didier Drogba from Ivory coast who once played for Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League and Samuel Eto of Cameroon”, said Nyamilandu.
He added that as part of professionalizing the game of football in Malawi one of the requirements is that, apart from having reserve sides all Super League Clubs must develop sports Academies which can play either for FAM Cup or First Capital Bank tournament for under 16 and 19 if we are to produce exceptional players that are highly competitive so that we are able to compete at international level.
For any assistance you may get in touch with Misheck Yagontha Munthali on :0999641766 or Mr Lukhele the technical Director on :0881170650
