Malawi enrols 28 sports officers at UP

In an attempt to meet new challenges in the sports industry, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has enrolled 28 districts sports officers at the University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa.

In an interview on Tuesday, principal secretary Justin Saidi said the 28, who include 12 women, will undergo a year-long programme in sports business management.

He said government decided to enrol the officers after reflecting on the expansion and complexity of the global sports industry, and addresses recent developments such as the increased use of metrics and optimising sponsorships.

“We have to move with the times in as far as sports management is concerned if we are to develop sports at district level,” said Saidi.

Confirming the development on Wednesday, Sports Council executive secretary George Jana said the course has cost government 283 000 rand (about K12.7 million)

“This is the fifth group to undergo the programme at the University of Pretoria. It is an ongoing programme,” said Jana.

Saidi said upon completion of the course, the officers are expected to help students in learning institutions in their districts in planning and designing sporting and recreation complexes, and also in research on training, fitness, diet, equipment and apparatus.

The enrolled sports officers last week attended a week-long course in sports administration organised by the Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) in Lilongwe.

“There cannot be elite sports figures if there are no efforts to improve sports at grass root level. This course covered all aspects of managing sports. Government cannot do everything alone,” said Saidi.

MOC treasurer Jappie Mhango said his institution is obliged to ensure that Malawi produces good athletes to compete favourably at the Olympic and Commonwealth games.

“To achieve that, we have to involve all stakeholders and government is our key partner in sports development,” said Mhango.