By Edwin Mauluka:
Grassroot girls football teams have expressed hope that regular competitions and support towards the Girls Football will help to inspire more girls to join the sport and expose more talent.
Coaches from four teams expressed this following Saturday’s Girls Football Bonanza organized by Chance for Change Malawi (C4C) held at Don Bosco football ground. The bonanza was aimed at promoting women’s football for grassroot teams which face a lot of challenges particularly sponsorship.
“This is the first time to have a football bonanza targeting girls in our area.” Reacted Henry Yotamu coach for Chilinde Queens.
He said C4C Bonanza was significant for it has provided his players a platform to showcase their skills.
“Due to lack of competitions, girls do training without platform to showcase their skills. But this bonanza has helped to expose them to potential teams.” He said
“I am delighted as a coach that I have now seen the future for my players and ascertain their strength. We need more of these competitions.” Reacted Memory Zakaria, coach for Memory FC
Similarly, C4C FC coach, Spinks Chirambo said the bonanza has helped his players to get a real experience of the game and motivation to work hard.
“Competitions like this encourages our players to work hard and it enables us as coaches to spot areas to improve and other skills we need to give to our players.” Noted Chirambo
During the competition, Down Ball FC were crowned the champions for the competition after beating Chilinde Queens in penalty shootout. Both teams held to a goalless draw before Down Ball won the penalties by sailing past Chilinde Queens 5-4.
“We are excited that we have performed well and win this competition. This is a culmination of good preparation and determination from our players.” Reacted Harry Mulumbe, Down Ball FC coach
During the competition, C4C FC and Memory FC completed on third and fourth place respectively. Memory FC lost in a game which saw C4C win 5-0.
The Guest of Honor during the event, Linda Kasenda, coach for Civo Womens Football Club, hailed C4C for organizing the tournament.
“The Bonanza came at a good time. We need to develop our game from grassroot, we don’t have youth leagues or cups for girls football. So, what chance for change has done zatithandizira kuti tione luso Lina lobisika (has helped us to spot hidden talent). For sure, the girls enjoyed the games so, we need more sponsors to come and help women football.” Expressed Kasenda
She noted that most of the companies help and sponsor men’s football than women football. She therefore indicated that if girls begin to receive enough support like men do, “we can do better, we have good players in Malawi but sangaonekele (cannot be seen) because we don’t have leagues or cups.”
Kasenda has since encouraged young girls to work hard both in school and sports if they want to achieve their goals.
“They will face a lot of challenges but they should not give up just focus and discipline, above all put God first in everything, and to the teams that participate in this bonanza zisathere pompa (should not end here) they should continue playing.” Advised Kasenda
During prize presentation, Kasenda presented a gift of new soccer ball to the champions.
Naomi Mwakilama, C4C officer and coordinator for the bonanza described the presence of Kasenda at the bonaza as an inspiration to girls.
“She has inspired girls to work hard and we believe that through this bonanza some girls will get opportunities to join big clubs including playing at national and international.” Added Mwakilama
