Mike Bango to push for improved sports development policies

Award-winning radio and television football commentator, Mike Bango pledges to push for better sports development policies once voted in Parliament, saying the sports sector needs dedicated support in the national budget.

Bango is contesting for the seat in the august House on Malawi Congress Party (MCP) ticket after winning primaries for Kasungu North constituency in which he beat three other candidates, Godfrey Jere, Khwechani Nkhoma and Kasirizika Mwale on September 10.

“Sports needs good funding for it to do well. Other countries within the SADC region are investing into football and that is why their national teams, which we used to beat do cause problems for the Flames,” he said.

“Our pride in sports is the Queens national netball team, who have for a long time controlled the whole of Africa but they are currently being beaten by teams they used to easily shrug off like Uganda or South Africa.

“It means somewhere we are not giving the Queens the right attention and the same goes with the Flames. We need a comprehensive policy to make our teams more strong and that is to pump in more resources through the national budget.That’s one of the areas which I shall make sure I play a huge part in.

“We want to engage more people and plans are there to build a sports centre not only for football but other disciplines as well since we want the elderly to be involved too so as to reduce diseases such as diabetics, blood pressure  and others.

“By the way, I am a journalist and I will remain one. Even if I will be a Parliamentarian, I will still avail myself now and then to practice my skills on part time; I repeat on part time,” he said with a broad smile.

Bango is the first born son of Amon Chirwa from Bango Village T/A Kaluluma in Kasungu District and Maria Msiska of lwezga T/A Wansambo in Karonga.

He did primary school in three schools since his father was a teacher; at Milenje, Thupa and later Chipata all in Kasungu.

“Thereafter I did my secondary school at Kaluluma CDSS for Form 1 and for Form 2 at St Augustine in Nkhata Bay and Form 3 and 4 at Mbapapi Private. Then I obtained my journalism certificate at Malawi Institute of Journalism Lilongwe campus and joined the profession in 2007.

“I started my career with Zodiak Broadcasting Station till now. I have never thought of joining politics until the intervention of people in my area, led by our late Chief Kalikokha and Bango Ng’onomo and Zithani and others.

“It was after several meetings with these chiefs and others as well as the owner of Zodiak, Gospel Kazako early this year that I presented myself to  MCP. I have never held any position in the party but as just a member because I have always loved the party.”

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