Airtel Rising Star talent hunt starts next week

The next edition of the Airtel Rising Stars kicks off on March 1 in all the districts of the country, Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) announced on Thursday.

Unlike in the past, there will be no official launch, according to Massa general secretary Blackson Malamula.

He said winners of this year’s tournament will showcase their talent in Gabon.

Last year, the finals were in Nigeria and the year before it they were in Kenya.

Just like in the past years, the tournament is for Under-17 boys and girls who are passionate about playing football.

Malamula has expressed appreciation to Airtel Malawi management for continuing with the sponsorship, saying it gives platform for youngsters to showcase football talent.

“The evidence is there in the Super League teams of the contribution of the Airtel Rising Star tournament. It is shaping the youth into great footballers. I think the sponsors have seen this and that is why they are going ahead with the sponsorship,” said Malamula.

He said continued sponsorship is evidence of Airtel Malawi’s confidence in Massa’s ability to organise the tournament.