FAM presents football equipment to Salima, Malindi Secondary Schools

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has handed over football equipment to Salima and Malindi Girls Secondary Schools as part of their prizes for participating in the 2022 CAF Schools Championship.

The equipment, which includes football boots, footballs, uniforms, tracksuits, training bibs, and equipment bags, is expected to boost the schools’ football programs.

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FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, who presented the equipment, emphasized the importance of football programs in schools. He said that the CAF Schools Championship program provides a platform for students to engage in both football and academics with dedicated coaches and proper leadership.

“It is on record that most students quit school to play football in communities because there are no structured football programs in most schools,” Haiya said.

“The CAF Championship program and the FAM’s Transforming the Game drive are championing the setting up of these structures that will ensure students are playing competitively in schools while concentrating on education.”

Malindi Secondary School headteacher John Tepani thanked CAF for the equipment, saying it will have a significant impact on the school’s football program. “The students will be happy to use this high-end equipment which we have been waiting for some time,” Tepani said.

The two schools received the equipment as part of their prizes for participating in the 2022 CAF Schools Championship. Malindi Secondary placed third in the zonal competition and received equipment worth $50,000, while Salima finished second in the zonal competition and third internationally, receiving equipment worth $225,000.

As per the rules and regulations of the competition, the schools did not receive the prizes in cash. Instead, they applied for specific projects, which CAF will fund directly. Salima applied for four projects, including the installation of electrical cooking pots, football equipment, rehabilitation of the school’s football pitch, and installation of a maize mill. Malindi, on the other hand, applied for football equipment, purchase of desks, construction of change rooms, and rehabilitation of the football pitch.

The equipment presentation is part of CAF’s commitment to promoting football development in Africa, particularly in schools. The FAM’s partnership with CAF aims to encourage students to balance their academic pursuits with their passion for football, while also promoting education and football development in Malawi.