By Collins Nsunza, contributor:
The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Championship has been officially launched at Mangochi Stadium, with Football Association of Malawi (Fam) applauding the bank for the financial backing.
Fam President Fleetwood Haiya said the Under-23 initiative would not only unearth talent from the grassroots but also create opportunities for young players.
“This sponsorship will help us expose up-and-coming players to very competitive football and provide a platform for top clubs to identify and scout promising talents.
“This league will help to bridge that gap we had in our football system as we had the Under-20 national league but did not have another national competition to give graduates of the youth league [the] platform to further sharpen their skills before getting into the elite league,” he said.
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Haiya also urged football administrators at district and regional levels to ensure that the age limit of the league is strictly adhered to, saying age cheating would not be tolerated.
NBM plc Chief Risk Officer Charles Ulaya said the bank was committed to youth empowerment through the K500 million league.
“We believe in youth empowerment, as the future of the country is in their hands. They should be fit and healthy to effectively contribute to national development,” he said.
The launch match saw Mangochi All Stars beating Chawe Bullets 2-0.
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The league title, which aims at nurturing and developing talents from the grass roots level, is competed for in 31 football districts with each football district comprising 16 teams.
The launch started with a trophy parade before Haiya and Ulaya declared the kick-off
Fam Second Vice President Lameck Zetu Khonje and executive committee members Felister Dossi and Daudi Mtanthiko were also present alongside Super League of Malawi President Gilbert Mittawa. —Fam Media
