Moroccan FA pumps K3.6bn in FAM projects

The Federation of Royal Moroccan Football (FRMF)  has pumped K3 655 000 000 ($5 million) towards Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) infrastructure development programmes.

Announcing the package in Lilongwe yesterday, director of football at the Moroccan FA, Hajji Mouad, said the partnership between the two associations was initiated by  His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Peter Mutharika.

According to Mouad, the K3.6 billion will be used to construct a technical developmet centre in Lilongwe complete with offices, 50 rooms, fitness centre, office block, restaurant and an artificial pitch.

The second phase of the project will see the installation of an artificial turf at Luwinga Technical Centre in Mzuzu and a grass pitch at Chilomoni Stadium in Blantyre.

“This project is a result of  talks between leaders of the two countries. We are happy to be part of this three-year partnership which could be extended subject to review.

“We do not have to depend on Europe to develop our football. As Africa, we have the capacity we need to enter into partnerships and help each other,” said Mouad, who described the partnership as a win-win situation.

The Moroccan FA has also offered to host all the national football teams, including women and beach soccer as part of the agreement.

“The partnership will also see the two countries share capacity building expertise in the areas of refereeing, coaching, and football medicine. There are no smaller teams in Africa any more and we believe we can learn something from Malawi,” said Mouad.

FAM vice-president James Mwenda, who was accompanied by general secretary Alfred Gunda, expressed gratitude to the Morocco FA.

“This is the first time for an African country to give us this kind of assistance. Traditionally, we get help from Europe or Asian countries. This is a landmark and the beginning of vibrant relationship with the Moroccan FA. We also appreciate the role that the two heads of State played in this deal,”  he said.