Sports associations say they expect positive outcomes in the New Year.
They have described 2024 as a year of mixed fortunes.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Fleetwood Haiya said positives outweigh challenges in the just-ended year.
“To sum it up, 2024 has been a mixed bag. We managed to click the milestones we set as we entered into office. [On] almost each and every milestone, we have clicked,” Haiya said in Lilongwe last week.
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Haiya, who clocked one year as Fam chief, said the biggest challenges were lack of funds and the Flames’ performances.
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“We have not done well on the Flames, especially on the first games in the Afcon qualifiers. When we changed the technical panel, we saw positive results.
“I believe we have taken a good path, as we are going into 2025,” Haiya said.
According to Haiya, some of the achievements in 2024 included the commissioning of Luwinga Inclusive Academy, the hosting of Caf Women’s Champions League, Four Nations Tournament and the 10-year Fam strategic plan.
This year, Fam is expected to embark on a number of projects, including the completion of Nsanje Stadium and rehabilitation of Chilomoni and Mpira stadia.
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The association has pegged its expenditure at K11.6 billion for this year.
All national football teams are expected to take part in international competitions.
Meanwhile, Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa-Kauma said expectations are high in 2025.
“We hope for a better 2025. We believe we are going to fulfil all our plans,” Khungwa-Kauma said.
Nam, which secured K1 billion netball sponsorship from Nico Group to cater for the Malawi National Netball Team and Nico Top 12 Cup, has also outlined a number of plans for 2025.
Nam has embarked on a rebuilding exercise for the Queens after a disappointing campaign last year.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama advised all sports associations to find alternative ways of generating resources.
“The biggest challenge is lack of funds. I believe most of the associations have already planned for their activities,” he said.
Other sports associations, notably Basketball Association of Malawi, Malawi Schools Sports Association and Volleyball Association of Malawi, among others, also said they were hoping for a better 2025.
