Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire has hailed the Football Legends Association of Malawi as a benchmark for how informal sports bodies can mature into structured and impactful institutions.
Speaking at the Association’s inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mkandawire described the event as a milestone that should inspire similar organisations across Malawi to embrace professionalism and unity.
The Minister emphasised that the Association’s commitment to transparency, purpose, and governance serves as a replicable model in the broader Malawian sports landscape. “This AGM is a great example to other sports bodies in Malawi,” he said. “It proves that even informal groupings can become structured, impactful organisations when there is unity and purpose.” His remarks set a tone of national recognition for the Association’s efforts.
Mkandawire also took the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare of retired athletes.
He disclosed ongoing work through the Malawi National Council of Sports to develop a comprehensive national policy aimed at improving the lives of former athletes. “Government recognises the critical role these former athletes play,” he said, pledging future collaboration with the Football Legends Association to turn policies into action.
The AGM itself marked a major turning point for the Association, which began as a grassroots idea in 2021 and has since transformed into a nationally acknowledged institution. Chairperson Jim Kalua called the meeting “a demonstration of good leadership and progress,” reflecting on the organisation’s growth from informal beginnings to a structured entity.
Kalua also highlighted that the adoption of the Association’s first constitution would now legally anchor its activities.
Central to the Association’s mission are two key initiatives: a medical assistance scheme and skills development programs to help former footballers reintegrate into society.
With the constitution now in place, Kalua said the Association is poised to operate with full accountability and expand its services to members in need. “Now we can freely execute our duties with accountability,” he noted.
Support for the Association’s vision came from the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), whose Vice President, Christopher Madalitso Kuyera, praised the initiative’s transformation and long-term potential.
He pointed to a formal memorandum of understanding between FAM and the Legends Association as a framework for ongoing collaboration to support retired footballers and coaches.
Kuyera further connected the Legends’ goals to FAM’s broader strategic objectives under Goal 15 of its manifesto, which prioritises the post-career welfare of players and administrators.
Meanwhile, Kalua thanked the growing number of sponsors and stakeholders backing the Association, expressing confidence that with continued support, the group could become a financially independent organisation.
The AGM concluded with the formal adoption of the Association’s constitution and presentation of financial and activity reports.
The event marked a new era of structured leadership, sustainable planning, and national impact for Malawi’s football legends, a group once overlooked, now emerging as trailblazers in sports governance.
