Yabwanya launches manifesto , pledges to ‘transform Malawi football’: FAM polls

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Presidential candidate, Willy Yabwanya Phiri has launched his manifesto at Cross Roads in Lilongwe entitled “To Transform Malawi Soccer into a Force to be reckoned with.”

The launch was attended by football administrators, some affiliates, and former footballers.

In his six page document, Yabwanya Phiri tackled a number of issues from grassroots development, player development pathway, proposed football, literacy and numeracy programs, women soccer development, community coaching pathways, refereeing courses at school, pilot school double club football programs, elite coaching pathway, innovation and commercial success, establish soccer academies and infrastructure development.

On grassroots development, Yabwanya Phiri said the success of any national team or its clubs depends on the production of talented youth players coming through the ranks hence he will introduce under 10, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18 to 23 development levels throughout Malawi.

On the same issue, he said he has made arrangements for former Arsenal youth development coach and Australian football federation coaches to come train Malawian coaches on how to develop grassroots soccer.

Yabwanya Phiri also said he will introduce district coaching coordinators in all districts mandated to scout talented young players and develop them into specific programs.

“Football education programs-two halves to be run at a number of primary and secondary schools, this will be championed by district coaching coordinators,” he said.

Another good news, that sent the whole room into an electric celebration was subventions increment to all nine affiliates from K150, 000 to K1, 000 000 to improve football.

He said the whole essence of having nine affiliates is that these affiliates should reach out and represent FAM in each and every corner of the country, according to the areas of expertise.

Yabwanya Phiri said it was sad to note that most affiliates are failing to execute their programs and develop the game because of financial constraints and poor funding.

“It’s due to the reason above that as president l will raise the subventions money from K150, 000 to K1, 000 000 in my first year,” said Phiri.

On player’s welfare, he described the football career as short due to injuries, hence he promised to develop a long term strategy for managing the needs of players who are forced to retire through injury.

He said this will be possible because he will introduce medical coverage and retirement packages to footballers.

“I have also noted with sadness that so many of our ex players live a very miserable life due to lack of opportunities and support. With immediate effect l will put an end to that by providing support mechanisms that will ensure better lives for our players once their playing careers are over,” he said.

Yabwanya Phiri also said as Fam president he will improve the relationship between FAM and Sulom, as he believe there is a big gap at the moment which hinders the efficiency of service delivery between the two bodies.

For instance, he said he will relocate Sulom offices to Chiwembe because it has enough rooms to accommodate all of them and in so doing this will enhance the overall performance between the two bodies.

On Women’s soccer development, he said he will launch the first ever Malawi Women’s premier League in line with the FIFA competition and League development.

“The women’s game has become the largest growing sports globally and further investment should form a core part of strategic plan. Therefore l will focus on growing and developing the women’s and girls game in Malawi’s 28 district, where talented players will be identified and selected to play district tournaments,” said Yabwanya.

Yabwanya also said he will introduce bursaries and scholarships to players because they deserve academic careers.

In summary, Yabwanya said he will also increase subvention to teams from K1 million to K2 million.He said he will also make sure that infrastructure is restored to its old days like the BAT ground which is in dilapidated state.

Yabwanya will compete with Walter Nyamilandu and Wikins Mijiga for the Presidency on 12th March in Mangochi during the body’s Annual General Meeting

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