Malawi Grassroots Soccer Development Foundation (MGSDF) founder Willy Yabwanya lived up to his word when his organisation presented football uniforms to Blantyre Girls and Namiwawa primary school girls’ football teams.
Canada-based Yabwanya, speaking through a video clip, said the two teams were supposed to receive the kits last year, when they participated in the four-school soccer festival at Kamuzu Stadium on December 8.
“We [MGDSF) and Vortnet are donating soccer kits to Blantyre Girls and Namiwawa primary schools belatedly after the two schools participated in the 2024 edition of Soccer Festival held in Blantyre.
“The two schools were supposed to get dressed during the festival but the kits were delayed due to shipment and other logistical issues. We thank our partners, Vortnet, for donating the four sets of kits. The other two teams—Namatapa, who were the champions, and Chisawani, who came second—received their jerseys during the festival,” he said.
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He said kits were in line with the foundation’s objectives of empowering kids through grassroots soccer.
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Yabwanya said his foundation would continue to fill gaps, forge strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders and impart football knowledge and life skills in children to ensure holistic development of children through education and sports.
Speaking at the event, Vortnet representative Austin Mkandawire said they were thrilled to have distributed the kits.
“The main objectives of this initiative is to give children a platform to showcase football talent and use football to combat child labour, drug and substance abuse, early marriages, school-dropout and exploitation,” he said.
Blantyre Girls teacher Joyce Chikho, who spoke on behalf of the teams, hailed the two entities for their support.
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“This is a source of motivation not only to the players but schools as well. We thank the two organisations,” he said.
Blantyre Girls learner Lisa Kacholola and her Namiwawa counterpart Edda Mwandire echoed the sentiments and pledged to work hard in class and at training.
