By Cathy Maulidi:
Youth and Sports minister Uchizi Mkandawire has told parliament that plans are at an advanced stage to set up a welfare policy for retired sports legends.
Mkandawire was responding to a concern by Leader of Opposition and Mulanje Central parliamentarian Kondwani Nankhumwa who asked what the government is doing to assist retired sports legends who are finding the going tough after years of service to the nation.
Nankhumwa said it is sad to see people who contributed to the growth of the country’s sports suffering.
“It appears there is no one who cares about their plight. The players who contributed to the country’s sports growth have now become destitute. They cannot even afford medical attention each time they fall sick. I cannot mention names here but there are many whose welfare is not taken care of.
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“These men and women played a significant role in the development of football and netball in the country and I want to find out from the minister on what policies are there to take care of these men and women who helped this country,” he said.
Mkandawire said the government is aware of the plight of some retired football and netball legends and that the ministry is doing something about it.
“We are currently working on the welfare policy for the legends and everyone else who contributed to sports in this country. The development of the policy is at an advanced stage and once it is concluded we should be able to share with everyone,” Mkandawire said.
