Teachers aiding age cheating in school sports have been warned, as the Malawi School Sports Association (MASSA) intensifies efforts to restore integrity in the Malawi Youth Games.
During its Annual General Meeting in Lilongwe, MASSA resolved to take firm action ahead of Season 5 of the games, set for August in Blantyre. The association will now conduct district visits to verify the ages of student-athletes selected for the tournament.
MASSA President, Blackson Malamula said the move targets teachers who repeatedly bring overage athletes to youth competitions. “This year, we are taking the issue seriously. Any teacher caught facilitating age cheating will face disciplinary action,” he said.
He added that athletes will now be required to present birth certificates and school code numbers before participating. This is part of broader reforms to ensure fair play and genuine talent development in school sports.
Malamula also revealed a new rule: no athlete will be allowed to compete in the Youth Games more than twice. “Some Education Divisions have been recycling the same athletes for years. That undermines the spirit of youth development,” he said.
The AGM also resolved to introduce a Sports Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) to support teachers financially. The SACCO, expected to launch soon, aims to provide long-term benefits to educators involved in sports.
Additionally, MASSA plans to roll out fundraising initiatives to boost its programs and improve the sustainability of school sports across the country.
