Elite Referee, Photojournalist Honor Top-Performing Young Referees in Mzuzu
The event highlights efforts to nurture young talent in sports officiating while emphasizing the importance of education in Malawi.
MZUZU, Malawi— Elite referee Pearson Kamanga and photojournalist Chifundo Zingunde awarded young referees for academic excellence on Saturday, aiming to motivate them in both education and officiating, writes Victor Musongole.
The ceremony at Mzuzu Stadium honored about 35 young referees who ranked among the top ten performers in their schools.
Kamanga, who also serves on the North Region Referees Committee, emphasized the importance of academic success.
"We are grateful to parents who allow their children to start this referees course. We will now be awarding and working with best performers," Kamanga said, warning that underperforming students risk being dropped from the program.
Mphatso Kaima from Mchengautuba Primary School received the top award: a full term sponsorship from Aluso Media.
His father, Owen Kaima, expressed gratitude and support.
"I'm grateful for the sponsorship. I will give my son full support so that he can excel both in academics and as a qualified football referee," he said.
Martha Kapira, one of the awardees, praised the initiative.
"This is commendable and will help us to work extra hard in school because they have assured us of educational support," she said.
The event highlights efforts to nurture young talent in sports officiating while emphasizing the importance of education in Malawi.