By Santos Zefania:
Vice President Michael Usi has urged young people to participate in sports, saying active involvement in sporting activities helps steer them away from bad habits that can shorten their lives.
Usi made the remarks on Sunday when he graced the highly anticipated Airtel Top 8 final match between Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
He said youth engagement in sports promotes mental wellness, discipline, and positive social behaviour.
“Youth are said to be the future leaders of tomorrow. Their engagement in sports could minimise their association with bad company, which puts their lives at risk. Therefore, I am appealing to the public to participate in different sporting activities, said Usi.
He added that football not only promotes unity and cooperation, but also sharpens thinking skills and maintains physical health.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi President, Fleetwood Haiya, commended Vice President Usi and Airtel Malawi CEO Aashish Dutt for their commitment to developing football in Malawi. He described their efforts as a game changer that promotes talent and provides entertainment.
Their passion for the development of Malawi football is essential. It sharpens talent among players while entertaining fans, Haiya said.
On the pitch, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets claimed their third consecutive Airtel Top 8 championship, defeating Silver Strikers 43 in post-match penalties after a 11 draw in regulation time.
The first half ended goalless, despite Bullets dominating and winning a penalty that striker Babatunde failed to convert as his shot was saved by goalkeeper Chikooka.
In the second half, Bullets took the lead through Gastin Phodo, but the Central Bankers responded with a powerful header from Stain Davie, equalizing the score and sending the game into penalties.
Silver Strikers head coach, Peter Mgangira, praised his team for their performance despite the loss.
Let me congratulate the boys. We came as a changed team in the final half and dominated possession. Losing on penalties is painful, but thats football. Well now focus on the next assignment, he said.
On the other side, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach expressed delight in securing the historic third straight title.
Our boys gave their best. We relaxed a little bit, which gave them a chance to come back strong, but I am impressedwe won, he said.
