2016 FMB U-20 Youth league launched
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has commended First Merchant Bank (FMB) for continuing facilitating the development of sports in the country.
Minister responsible Grace Chiumia made the remarks during the launch of the 2016 FMB under-20 youth League in Mangochi on Saturday.
He said FMB is bonafide government partner through the tournament which aims at unearthing raw youthful soccer talent.
“FMB under 20 youth league is in line with the national sports policy which emphasizes competitions and athlete development programs as some strategies for developing sports in the country. I would like to applaud FMB for sponsoring the initiative for many years now,” Chiumia said.
He then called on National Youth Football Committee (NYFC) to handle the 2016 version of the tournament in a professional manner in order to gain more trust from sponsors.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Walter Nyamilandu hailed the impact of the FMB Under-20 Junior Football League on the local scene.
Nyamilandu said within a short period FMB League had produced several players that were a marvel to watch at Super League and national junior teams.
“FMB has proved to be a good catchment area. A lot of Super League teams have signed players from the league. Some of the products have made their way into the Under-20 national football team and others have earned senior national team call-ups,” he said.
Nyamilandu urged other companies to emulate FMB’s gesture.
The Bank’s Group General Manager Phillip Madinga said FMB will continue to aid the development aspects of football in the country, as well as increase the number of competitions for the participating teams in the Under-20 league.
“We thought it wise to increase the sponsorship package in order to help in developing football as well as bringing a stiff competition among the participating teams. By increasing the sponsorship package, we will also increase the number of participating teams.This year, 121 teams have registered.
“Football starts from the grassroots level so as a Bank; we want to take Malawian football to another level. We are very optimistic that Super League teams will continue taking players from the under 20 national league,” said Madinga.
Mavuto Misi, the National Youth Football Committee (NYFC) Chair, hailed FMB for its mission to continue supporting under-20 league.
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