By Llywellenie Mpasa:
The Malawi football landscape is experiencing a transformative moment, as the recently held Afrisports Connect Under-19 Soccer Tournament in Blantyre sparked hope, ambition and a clear pathway for young players who are aiming to break onto the international stage.
The event, graced by Malawi’s international football sensation Tabitha Chawinga, laid the groundwork for youth football development.
Over 10 promising players were selected for further review through Afrisports Connect, a brainchild of Humphrey Mahowa.
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The initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing young footballers not just as athletes but as well-rounded individuals with the potential to earn academic scholarships and professional contracts abroad.
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“We are not just looking for the best player of the match; we are looking for the next international stars,” he said.
Mahowa, who is the founder and chief executive officer for Afrisports Connect, is also an assistant coach and recruiter at The Master’s University in Los Angeles, California, the United States (US).
“Football is a vehicle and, through it, we want these young players to understand that they can access education, international exposure and career development [opportunities],” Mahowa said.
The Afrisports Connect model provides a six-month intensive development programme for selected players.
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This includes fitness and wellness coaching, technical training, personal development and assistance in creating professional portfolios, complete with highlight reels and performance statistics to appeal to international scouts and college coaches.
He said the programme collaborates with over 56
universities across the US, enabling players to pursue higher education while playing the sport they love.
Mahowa revealed his ambition to scale the programme nationwide and eventually expand into the rest of Africa.
During the talent identification tournament, Nyambadwe FC were crowned champions after a spirited performance, with Mighty Wanderers Reserve and Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve finishing second and third, respectively.
The top three teams received trophies, medals and cash prizes.
Seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Rashid Nikisi of Nyambadwe was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Nikisi’s exceptional performances between the posts were instrumental in his team’s victory, catching the attention of scouts and coaches alike.
Yet beyond the podium and fanfare, the real triumph was the unveiling of new opportunities for Malawian football talent.
Speaking at the tournament, Tabitha, currently one of Africa’s most celebrated football exports, endorsed the initiative as “the right way for football development”.
Tabitha’s journey, from dusty pitches to the top tiers of global women’s football, has become a blueprint for aspiring athletes across the continent.
“This is what we need in Malawi. Young boys and girls should be given structured development and shown that there is more beyond our local leagues. Football took me out of the village to play on the world stage. I believe this initiative can do the same for many others,” she said.
Her presence at the tournament underscored the importance of having visible role models for young players, reinforcing the belief that their dreams are valid and achievable.
Tabitha said in an era where talent alone was no longer enough, Afrisports Connect is giving Malawian youths the tools to dream big, work hard and reach beyond borders.
Local football stakeholders also endorsed the initiative.
Chairperson for Blantyre District Youth Football Committee Bitto Kayesera said the Afrisports Connect initiative was a game-changer.
“This development will elevate Malawi’s game to international standards but we need to do more. Let us start from under-14s and build all the way to the top. Early talent identification and development are key to long-term success,” he said.
Coach Malison Dube of Manchester Motors said this was a golden opportunity for players to be seen and for teams to develop a long-term strategy for exporting talent.
