Completion of Nsanje YC to drive local development, football talent, says council

The newly inaugurated Nsanje Youth Centre, renovated with funding from the FIFA Foundation, is set to make a significant impact on both local development and the growth of football talent in the district.

With an investment of $500,000 in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai in 2019, the facility is expected to generate substantial revenue through hosted matches, which will then be reinvested into various developmental projects in the area.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) officially inaugurated the rehabilitated Nsanje Youth Centre Ground on Friday, marking a milestone for the district’s development.

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In a ceremony filled with enthusiasm, Nsanje District Council Chairperson Mike Kafalaji praised both FIFA and FAM for their generous support, highlighting how the facility will serve as a hub for both community development and football talent identification.

“We are committed to ensuring that the revenue generated from matches hosted here will be put to good use. Our goal is to upgrade infrastructure across Nsanje, including building public amenities like stands and toilets in schools and markets,” said Kafalaji in an interview with Wa Mpira.

The local council has big plans for the future, with Kafalaji emphasizing that the revenue from matches will be directed towards critical projects in the district. These include constructing stands at the Youth Centre and providing essential sanitary facilities like toilets in public institutions, which are much-needed improvements.

“We are confident that with continued support, we will build a modern facility that serves the people of Nsanje. Our priority is to ensure that this Youth Centre is well-maintained and upgraded over time,” he added.

FAM President, Fleetwood Haiya, expressed his appreciation for the committee’s efforts in completing the facility within the specified timeframe. He also urged the Nsanje District Council to continue investing in the centre, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

“We’ve made a bold decision to complete this project because we believe in football from the grassroots level. The dream is to identify and nurture talent in rural areas, and this facility will help bring that vision to life,” said Haiya.

Haiya stressed the importance of maintaining and further developing the centre, particularly as the facility is designed as part of a broader plan to create a fully-fledged stadium. He also called on the local community to protect and safeguard the Youth Centre, urging them not to allow the facility to fall into disrepair as has happened with other public infrastructure in the country.

“This is your facility, Nsanje. Let’s protect it and keep it in good condition. Together, we can help it grow into a major center for football in Malawi,” he concluded.

Haiya also noted that the Nsanje Youth Centre’s opening will play a key role in fulfilling FAM’s long-term goal of identifying and developing football talent from smaller, often underserved communities.

“Football must start from the grassroots. We can’t just focus on the national level; we need to strengthen the zones and districts first. This centre will help coaches identify young players and give them the chance to shine,” he said.

The Deputy Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kinnah Phiri, echoed similar sentiments, commending FIFA and FAM for their contribution to the development of the facility. He noted that Nsanje is rich in untapped talent, and the new Youth Centre could provide a strong foundation for the local football scene.

“This is a beautiful facility, and I have no doubt that with the right support, the people of Nsanje can build a competitive team that will benefit from the state-of-the-art infrastructure here,” said Phiri.

The renovations to the Nsanje Youth Centre include a modern playing pitch, a wall fence, a VIP stand, dressing rooms, and sanitary facilities—upgrades that will enhance the overall experience for players and spectators alike.

The inauguration event was rounded off with an exciting football match between Umodzi and Nsanje Medicals, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Umodzi.