FAM tipped to reach out to Madonna’s son David
Football analysts have asked Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to reach out to US pop star Madonna’s son David Banda to maintain his Malawian passport and represent Malawi in future.
David, who was adopted by the American superstar in 2006, just got signed with Benefica Academy as the 11 year-old dreams of pursuing a professional football career.
The Portuguese club accepted David after his first test early this year and he will stay at the academy at Benfica training centre in Seixal, according to Correio da Manhã newspaper.
Madonna has also moved to Lisbon, Portugal in order to be with her adopted son.
Commenting on the development, Fifa player intermediary Felix Ngamanya Sapao said the player needs to hold on to his Malawian passport to represent Malawi.
He said: “All he has to do is hold on to his Malawi passport and not play for any other national team at senior level.”
Former FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, who is now Council for Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) deputy chief executive officer, also said the Malawi FA has to reach out to David.
“This is the time for FAM to do the needful. The association has to show interest in the player, otherwise he may end up playing for another country,” he said.
There are several players in diaspora with Malawian roots. Recently, a United Kingdom-based Malawian Pearson Mwanyongo signed for National League side Boston United.
He joined the fifth tier side from Solihull Moors after an impressive 2016-2017 season, according to Boston Standard newspaper. The 24-year-old, who left Malawi at the age of seven, says he is interested in playing for the Flames.
“I would love to play for my home country. I am available if they want my services,” he said.
FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda was not available for comment on David’s issue but last month he said he had instructed the technical committee to track down players with Malawian roots. n
