African Herbal Mixture under-19 Za Natural Cup kicks off
The herbal manufacturing company has committed K40 million over two years to the competition, which features 16 teams divided into four groups.
Lilongwe, Malawi - The African Herbal Mixture company officially launched the second edition of the African Herbal Mixture under-19 Blantyre District Youth Football Cup, called "Za Natural," at Mpira Stadium on Saturday, writes Happy Valirani.
The herbal manufacturing company has committed K40 million over two years to the competition, which features 16 teams divided into four groups.
"We are very excited as sponsors that today we have launched the second edition of the African Herbal Mixture under-19 Za Natural Cup," said African Herbal Mixture Marketing Manager Andrew Magombo.
"We are looking forward to unearthing the raw talent from these youngsters who will be competing in this Cup."
Magombo added that the company is committed to youth football development in Malawi and has increased its sponsorship package from K10 million in 2023 to K40 million over the next two years.
National Youth Football Association General Secretary James Sawerengera praised the African Herbal Mixture Under-19 Cup as a great development for youth football in Malawi.
"This is a great development, this shows that indeed, African Herbal Mixture is a natural friend of youth football in Malawi," he said.
"We are calling on partners in all regions in Malawi so that they partner with us so that we can have these similar Youth competitions in all the three regions of Malawi."
FAM's Technical Director Benjamin Kumwenda said the competition would help FAM scout players for junior national football teams, particularly the Under-20 national team.
"This is a great development to the youth football because the player actually develops when there is competition," said Kumwenda.
"If we can have these youth leagues in all our regions it is going to be easy for us Football Association Of Malawi (FAM) to find players for the under 20 National team," he added.
"After this launch, we would like to urge the coaches of these teams that are competing in this Cup to do whatever they can and to make sure that there's enough discipline in players so that we should have a successful tournament."
The opening match of Group A between Mighty Wanderers Youth and Bible Stars ended in a 0-0 draw, while the defending champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Youth, beat Lyzee United 1-0 in Group D.