Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Football Legends Association (FLA) to build capacity and improve the welfare of football legends and former players in the country.
The signing ceremony took place at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe Tuesday.
The partnership will be reviewed at the end of every two years.
Through the partnership, Fam will facilitate the incorporation and involvement of legends using its structures.
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Fam will also cooperate in developing concepts aimed at jointly mobilising resources and facilitating implementation.
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Fam First Vice President Madalitso Kuyera said the partnership with football legends was in line with transforming the game agenda.
He said the partnership would improve the welfare of legends and former players.
“As we transform the game, we realise the mutual benefit of collaboration with legends in recognising all those who have achieved something significant in the game.
“The signing of this MoU is a milestone for Fam and underlines the absolute commitment of the association to give a stronger voice to all those directly involved in the game. This working relationship will ensure we join hands and speak with one voice in a bid to build and protect the Fam brand,” Kuyera said.
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Kuyera said the partnership would establish structures that would ensure that football playing careers produce sustainable benefits for athletes.
He further said Fam acknowledges that former players are not actively involved in association football programmes, hence their knowledge is underutilised while the game is lacking such resources to develop.
“Therefore, the partnership is going to come up with programmes to support the welfare of legends, incorporate and involve legends in active association football development activities and jointly mobilise resources,” he said.
On his part, FLA Board Chairperson Jim Kalua said the partnership would uplift lives of football legends and former players in Malawi.
“We are expecting a lot from this partnership as we have a good working relationship with Fam. It is our dream that the legends will be utilised as they have a lot of knowledge,” Kalua said.
Through the partnership, FLA will initiate and maintain the membership of football legends with a clear definition, set criteria and categorisation of legends and former players.
The body will also conduct periodic system reviews and draw proposals for capacity building and vocational skills training based on members’ needs.
Some of the high-profile legends that graced the event included Kinnah Phiri, Young Chimodzi and Peterkins Kayira.
