National Sports

Malawi to benefit from new Fifa women’s programmes

Malawi is set to benefit from eight women’s football development programmes which Fifa has lined up for 2020 to 2023.

According to a statement from the world football governing body, the programmes—which will benefit all member associations— include access to women’s football experts, provision of additional equipment and technical support.

Reads part of the statement: “The programmes aim to provide associations with access to additional tailored expertise and support to develop women’s football.

“Fifa has launched [this] programme to further develop women’s football on a sustainable basis while simultaneously pushing it forward into the mainstream.”

Ngwira: It is timely

The areas include league development, club licensing, capacity building for administrators, women in football leadership, coach education scholarships and mentorships.

It further states that in line with its Women’s Football Strategy, the programme aims to provide all associations with the opportunity to apply for and access to additional resources and specialist expertise to develop women’s football at a national level.

“Member associations will be able to apply for support across eight key areas of women’s football development during the 2020-2023 period, in addition to financial assistance to cover the costs in selected programmes,” the statement further reads.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu and National Women’s Football Association chairperson Suzgo Ngwira said they intend to capitalise on the offer by calling for a Women’s Football Strategic Plan Session under the guidance and expertise of Fifa.

Said Nyamilandu: “This will involve conducting a thorough review of women’s football and developing a new strategy to grow and develop the game from bottom to top.

“Our plan as FAM is to transform women’s football by creating a robust system and structure that will first and foremost, promote and encourage girls to actively play football.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that we create excellent talent that can make women’s national team qualify for Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup through competitive leagues.”

On her part, Ngwira said: “The offer is timely coming at a time when we are working on our strategic plan and also the plan to introduce a national league.”

China-based national team captain Tabitha Chawinga said Fifa underlines its commitment to see women’s football grow.

Fifa says the programme underlines its commitment to supporting associations in developing the women’s game and builds upon the solid foundations laid by the Fifa Forward Programme. It also follows the recent announcement of an additional  $500 000 grant per association as part of the Covid-19 Relief Plan that will be specifically allocated to women’s football.

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