Renowned sports administrator and entrepreneur in Neno, Chikondi Ntajiri has praised the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for leveraging grassroots football to create opportunities for young people and drive talent development in the country.

Speaking in an interview, Ntajiri noted that initiatives such as FAM/FIFA Under 16 regional leagues play a vital role in complementing governments efforts by taking structured sporting activities closer to communities.

He highlighted that these platforms allow young people to nurture their abilities while cultivating discipline, teamwork, leadership qualities and ensuring both boys and girls have equal access to training opportunities while attending school.

“If we are to reach the highest level of football here in Neno, we must invest in developing players from a young age and that journey begins at the grassroots level,and help more young players fulfil their potential in a process,” said Ntajiri.

Ntajiri called upon the private sector and other stakeholders in Neno to invest in grassroots sporting programmes, describing such initiatives as investments in young people.

“I urge more corporate players and individuals to join the effort, through sponsorship, equipment donations, or partnership that can help sustain and grow grassroots programs, the future of football in Neno depends on early investment in young talent,” he said.

His company, Funani Hardware has become one of the first companies to back grassroots football development initiatives in Neno, supporting the young athletes.

FIFA launched a global football development plan to support youth domestic leagues and to help more young players fulfil their potential, with a pilot project launched in Malawi on 31st October 2015.