FAM President Highlights Importance of Luwinga Inclusive Football Academy

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president, Fleetwood Haiya, has emphasized the significance of the newly opened Luwinga Inclusive Football Academy in Mzuzu for nurturing football talent for both youth and national teams.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Haiya stated that Malawi’s success on the international stage depends on increased focus and investment in grassroots football programmes like academies.

“My wish is to see Malawi qualify for the World Cup and export more players abroad. This can only be achieved through better grassroots programmes,” he said.

Haiya also highlighted the academy as a milestone achievement under his leadership.

“We can only develop solid national teams if we have good football academies. That is why my manifesto and strategic plan emphasize grassroots programmes. Today is historic as we’ve realized our dream of transforming the game with the opening of Luwinga Technical Centre within one year of my leadership. This facility will go a long way in producing top-class footballers.”

In a notable gesture, he revealed that he had personally contributed MK25 million from his CAF monthly salary to support youth football league.

The academy has enrolled 27 boys and 15 girls from across Malawi.

FAM Technical Director Benjamin Kumwenda described the academy as a key element in the country’s football development strategy.

“The academy will nurture talent for the next two to three years, and we believe that this talent will feed into our youth national teams and, eventually, the senior national teams,” Kumwenda explained.

South African talent coach Thabo Senong, who was recruited by FIFA to oversee the Malawi FIFA Project, praised FAM’s leadership for establishing the academy. However, he urged the association to ensure that the enrolled players are given opportunities to participate in various competitions.