In Lilongwe, operating at Bishop Mackenzie international high school, there is a blossoming football development academy named Chigoli, which is nurturing young talent.
This football academy needs to be supported for it to produce the talent we need just like what Surestream Academy strove to do. Unfortunately, Surestream, which was based at former MDC United Stadium at Chilomoni in Blantyre, had to pull out following some understable business reasons the sponsors had.
Apart from football skills the youngsters are trained in, the academy also imparts academic education on the players, focussing on English and Maths which are taught by qualified teachers from Europe.
They also undergo character development sessions which are led by an experienced youth development specialist which ensure that all the players become well rounded individuals who are positive members of society.
Just recently, the academy hosted a group of 19 students from San Francisco, USA as part of its programme towards a global partnership with similar football academies.
Some of the American students who were part of the group marvelled at the experience they had here in Malawi, saying the trip was an eye opener and it left a lasting impression on them.
The academy is privately sponsored but it is looking for partnership and one of them is an event on May 29th at Lilongwe Golf Club where a new concept on sport will be introduced, FootGolf tournament.
FootGolf, which is played on golf courses, is a fast growing sport throughout the world and has an international governing body, the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG).
It is played the same way as golf but using a football instead of a golf ball, and the ball is kicked rather than struck with a club towards a target. Just like golf, the first shot has to be played from the tee box and kicked up to the hole.
This is a fund-raising event in which the participants will be required to pay an entrance fee of K15,000. It's a new concept in sport altogether and I pray that golfers, or any other interested individuals will support the initiative.
Chigoli is not just begging but bringing in more fun in sport through such creative innovation.
Since its inception in late 2014, Chigoli has made huge strides in its goal is to nuture the country’s brightest football talents with a mission not just to develop their footballing ability but also their education, nutrition and character.
They are saying their aim is to produce both excellent footballers and men of excellent character that can become role models for young Malawians of the future.
The youths are being trained by experts including Confederation of African Football (Caf) ‘A' license coach holder, Thom Mkorongo and two ‘C' Licensed coaches, a Football Association of Malawi qualified referee and a former ScoUsh Women’s Premier league goalkeeper.
Golfers are very good at participating in charity events and I am quite sure those with strong legs will pitch up and support the event for the good of football in the country.
I pray that Football Association of Malawi will also take a part in this event to show its solidarity towards the country's football development.
Well done, Chigoli, you have our support.