FAM President Fleetwood Haiya Rewards Salima and Malindi Girls with Football Equipment
Urges Schools to Embrace CAF Championship Benefits
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to youth and school football development by handing over football equipment to Salima and Malindi Girls Secondary Schools two outstanding participants in the prestigious CAF Schools Championship.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Haiya highlighted the significance of structured football programs in shaping the future of young learners, not only as athletes but as disciplined students.
“Today, I had the pleasure of handing over football equipment to Salima and Malindi Girls Secondary Schools as part of their CAF Schools Championship rewards,” said Haiya. “These rewards act as a huge motivation not only to the team members but also to the whole school and surrounding communities.”
The donated equipment, which includes jerseys, balls, training cones, and goal nets, comes as recognition of the schools’ performance and active participation in the CAF Schools Championship a continental initiative designed to promote youth football and education hand-in-hand.
“Organised school football is a powerful tool in keeping learners engaged and reducing dropouts,” Haiya explained. “Through structured programs like CAF’s Schools Championship, we are ensuring our students stay in class while competing on the pitch.”
The FAM President emphasized the broader goal of the CAF initiative to bridge the gap between sports and academics while building stronger, healthier communities through football.
“We are not just developing athletes; we are nurturing disciplined leaders, committed learners, and empowered girls who will go on to uplift their families and communities,” Haiya added.
The principals of both schools thanked FAM for the continued support and reaffirmed their commitment to the development of girls’ sports. One of the team captains from Salima Girls, visibly excited, remarked:
“This equipment motivates us to work even harder. We now feel seen and valued. Thank you FAM and CAF for investing in our dreams.”
The event marks another milestone in FAM’s broader efforts to deepen grassroots football and reinforce the connection between sport and education. The association continues to champion initiatives aimed at increasing participation, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the capacity of schools to produce well-rounded students through football.
As Malawi positions itself as a model for youth football development in Africa, such efforts are key in ensuring no talent is left behind on or off the field.
