Mponda is Surestream Academy ambassador
Malawi national football team captain Peter Mponda has been appointed as ambassador of the Surestream Football Academy set to be officially opened end of September.
Mponda, who has struggled with a knee injury for two seasons, is back in the country after terminating his contract with Santos.
He has hinted that he has no plans of going back; hence, FAM’s move to take him on board.
According to FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda, Mponda will be a role model for the kids and will play an advisory role.
“He is one of the best players the country has ever produced; his story has motivated a lot and can do more to up-and-coming youngsters.
“He is got quality leadership skills and he will be very useful. By the way, he is moving towards the end of his playing career and it will be good to develop a path for him to graduate to another football career as a coach,†said Nyirenda.
The former Black Leopards and Santos defender confirmed the development in an interview yesterday, saying he wants to part his skill to the youth.
“This is one of the biggest development projects the country has ever had and I feel honoured to be part of it. It will be interesting to be working with kids and I am looking forward to it,†he said.
He also hinted that he has two more years of active football as player and will devout it to a local club.
“I am still not decided yet but I feel I still can play for two more seasons in the Super League and it maybe for my former club Bullets or Escom. But it is too early to comment much on that,†he said.
Turning to the Flames’ return match against Ghana in a crucial 2013 Afcon qualifier, Mponda feels it is suicidal to take the tie to Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Needing a 3-0 win, the Flames line up against the Black Stars on October 14 in Lilongwe after their customary home turf Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre was declared by government unfit to host an international game.
“I feel sorry for the coach and the players taking such a big game to a bumpy and unfamiliar place in Lilongwe.
“We are used to Kamuzu Stadium and have done great since the artificial turf was laid in 2008. We have given teams a tough time at the venue and Ghana would not have been spared. I don’t think it will be the same in Lilongwe,†he said.
