EU dignitaries in Malawi to grace first FootGolf tourney

Duncan Mlanjira – Nyasa Times

A couple of dignitaries from European High Commissions in Malawi are expected to add pomp and colour to the first of its kind sport in Malawi, FootGolf tournament to be played at Lilongwe Golf Club on Sunday, May 29th.

FootGolf
FootGolf

One of the tournament’s organisers George Maguire said the dignitaries are and all those who have already registered are very excited about to try a new sport for the first time.

FootGolf, a fast growing sport throughout the world with an international governing body, the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) and has member nations across the globe, is played on golf courses and Lilongwe Golf Club will become pioneers in this venture bringing the sport into Malawi for the first time.

“It’s pretty hard to say how many people will take part as lots of people aren’t pre-paying to enter but we will accept people who turn up on the day,” Maguire said. “We estimate about 50 [taking part].”

Footgolf as a sport is played on golf courses and mixes the gameplay of golf, with the skill sets required for football. The players use a football instead of a golf ball, and the ball is kicked rather than struck with a club towards a target.

The first shot has to be played from the tee box and to reach the hole, bunkers, trees, water and hills have to be crossed or avoided (just like in golf). This means a powerful shot is useful, but not decisive.”

The players have to read the course just like in golf in which a smart approach and accurate putting are even more important. Sunday’s tournament will be played over 9 holes with various prizes being awarded including the National Champion of Malawi for both Men and Women.

The tournament is a fund-raising event for a Lilongwe-based football academy named Chigoli, whose goal is to nurture talented Malawian youngsters in football, academic education as well as character development.

Participants will be required an entrance fee of K15,000 each with a refundable deposit of K5,000 if they will require to hire a football.

Maguire said interested people can pre register by calling or messaging him on on 0996391727, Alex on 0991135611, or by emailing[email protected] or registering with the Lilongwe Golf Club.

Since its inception in late 2014, Chigoli has made huge strides in its goal is to nuture the country’s brightest football talents.

“Our mission is not just to develop their footballing ability through our unparalleled country level coaching, but also their education, nutrition
and character. Our aim is to produce both excellent footballers and men of excellent character that can  become role models for young Malawians of the future.

“Chigoli currently has a 28-player strong academy squad who were selected from a series of Under-12  community based tournaments and events involving over 2,000 players across the Capital City.

“This squad currently trains at the country’s premier international school where the players receive expert football coaching from staff including two of the institution’s founders, a Confederation of African Football (Caf) ‘A’ license coach Thom Mkorongo, two ‘C’ Licensed coaches, a Football Association of Malawi qualified referee and a former ScoUsh Women’s Premier league goalkeeper.

“We are currently in talks with English and ScoUsh Premier League clubs regarding partnership links, so anticipate this coaching staff expanding in number and qualification, as well as presenting opportunies for our squad members to gain valuable experience training and trialling in Europe.

“In addition to expert football training, the  p l a y e r s u n d e r t a k e academic education sessions focussing on English and Maths which are taught by qualified teachers from E u r o p e. They also undergo character development sessions which are led by an experienced youth development specialist which ensure that all our players become well rounded individuals who are positive members of society,” Chigoli academy says.

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