Kulemeka appointed grass roots manager

Patrick Kulemeka has been appointed manager for Malawi grass roots football programme. The initiative targets youth football development in schools through partnerships.

Fifa funded the pilot phase project, but now FAM has to go it alone with stakeholders, according to the association’s chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda.

“We have to take the programme nationwide. Kulemeka has been involved in youth football development programme; hence, his appointment,” said Nyirenda, adding that while Fifa helped them with the pilot, they now expect resources to come from related line ministries.

Nyirenda recently said FAM had agreed in principle to incorporate the financially ailing PlaySoccer activities in grass roots football because the two programmes were similar.

Last Saturday, Kulemeka confirmed his appointment

“I have introduced a zero tolerance policy in age-cheating policy. Age cheating is a complicated and complex issue,” he said.

Fifa launched the grassroots football last year and so far over 30 volunteer coaches have been drilled. Grass roots football targets primary school children. They learn the basics of the sport as well as health and sanitation issues.

This grass roots programme mainly supports Fifa’s member associations in setting priorities for their grass roots development, as well as helping train local instructors and coaches to become grass roots specialists.

Fifa also provides each association with football and educational material. The Fifa grass roots programme also places emphasis on the notion of both education and fun for the children.

It also promotes mass participation and inclusivity; everyone has the right to play regardless of gender, age, skills, race, social origin and religion.

“The goal is to triple the amount of children involved in the game by spreading the word to every school in the country and by bringing girls as well as boys into the fold,” reads a Fifa statement on the same.