FAM Allocates K1.2 Billion for Youth Development
The investment signals FAM's strategic focus on developing young football talent and creating pathways for future national team players.
MZUZU, Malawi — The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has committed K1.2 billion to youth football development, targeting international competition participation and stakeholder capacity building, writes Victor Musongole.
The investment was announced by FAM's second vice president, Lameck Zetu Khonje following the 2024 FCB Under-19 Katswiri National Rough Diamonds Tournament at Luwinga Technical Centre.
"In our next year's budget, we want our youth teams to participate in international competitions and do capacity building for different stakeholders in youth football," Khonje said.
First Capital Bank, a tournament sponsor, expressed support for youth football's potential. Twikale Chirwa, Head of Marketing, highlighted the league's track record of producing national talent.
"The league has produced different players; some are playing international clubs, including for the national team, the likes of Patrick Mwaungulu and Peter Banda, just to mention a few, so we are committed and impressed," Chirwa said.
Tournament results saw North Select winning with 7 points, followed by South Select with 5 points. Central Select teams finished third and fourth.
North Select received a K1.5 million prize, runners-up obtained K1 million, and third-place finishers were awarded K600,000.
Tiyenkhu Chavula, National Youth Football Association Chairperson, praised the tournament's district and regional selection format, anticipating potential progression to the Super League.
The investment signals FAM's strategic focus on developing young football talent and creating pathways for future national team players.