Two Mzuzu-based athletes Joseph Phiri and Frank Kamonga left on Tuesday for South Africa to take part in the Taekwondo African Championship scheduled for Friday to Sunday.
Northern Traders and Central Poultry have paid for their expenses.
Speaking in an interview, Northern Traders managing director Paolo Losacco encouraged youth in the country to innovatively use their talents for survival.
“It is terrible to see a lot of young people staying idle which can make them resort to drug and substance abuse. Our donation to taekwondo is a commitment to support the youth,” he said.
Losacco added that most youths fail to realise their potential because of lack of support.
“We have potential talents among young people, but these talents are never identified and developed,” he added.
Taekwondo Association of Malawi (TAM) administrator Lovemore Masinga, who is also the taekwondo national team coach, said the two were selecetd for the tournament after excelling national competitions.
Speaking before their departure Phiri said he is fit and ready to win the country a gold medal.
“I am happy to be among the two athletes going to in South Africa. The training went on well,” he said.
Commenting on the development, taekwondo assistant national coach Taipeni Kamanga said it is good that Malawi will be represented.
“I am happy that we will be represented by two taekwondo athletes in the tournament. Looking at the calibre of these two athletes, it is our hope that they will do the country proud,” he said.
