Mfuwe Junior Football League

By: Wilson Malambo Photos: Andrew Muswala Photography

About seven years ago, Ron and Anke Cowan, owners of the Kafunta Lodge in Mfuwe, noticed that their 10 year-old son Luke was sneaking into town to play football with the local boys. Inspired, Ron and a member of his staff got together and formed a team for boys under the age of 13 from the local village and named them “The Super Strikers.” Soon the idea caught on, and local villages started to form their own teams too. The Mfuwe Junior Football League was born. Now there are 20 football teams– divided into under 12s and under 15s – competing at weekends.

The success of bringing sports to the community has spread to girls as well, and the league now counts 10 teams of netballing girls (Under 15s), meaning over 500 kids are involved in sports participation each weekend.

To keep the momentum going, the league has obtained land from the local Chief, and a full sport complex is planned. At the moment, the fields have been cleared and the football pitch is ready, as well as two netball courts and one volleyball court. But funds are needed to proceed with the construction of the changing rooms and clubhouse. The league also hopes to provide uniforms to the young athletes. In June of 2011, Project Luangwa, through various fund-raising efforts, generously contributed to this cause by donating colourful kits to the teams. By involving more external partners in the expansion process, Mfuwe can someday boast a top-notch recreation facility that will serve the local community. Malumbo United Boys who have to leave the league when they reach their 16th birthday don’t have to give up football. They look forward to going to the next level and playing for a team of“all stars”called Malambo United.

Formed in 2012, team coaches get together and select the best players who have passed through the ranks of the league to form “All Stars.” These boys, who are all still in school, compete against much older players at the amateur league level. They will go play in Chipata or even Lusaka, giving them exposure outside their rural areas.

In 2014, they played their first-ever international match against Malawi's Under-18 team. The boys were nervous, as this was their first-ever international match. They put on their best performance but unfortunately lost to the visitors (Malawi) by one goal to nil.

To date, Malambo United has won six cups locally. For the last three years, they have placed in the top four in the amateur league in Chipata. Coaches will continue to work with these gifted athletes and ensure that they are able to continue honing their skills and competing on a higher level. Be on the lookout for Malambo United in the sports section of your local newspaper very soon!