Former Free State Stars coach Kinnah Phiri has revealed how the rapid rise of Mbekezeli Mbokazi has inspired him to aggressively continue his rural talent search in Malawi, with backing from clergyman Shepherd Bushiri.
Phiri, who stays up to date with South African football, is aware of Mbokazi’s swift progression. The Bafana Bafana star, who hails from Hluhluwe in KZN, joined Chicago Fire after his breakthrough season at Orlando Pirates.
Phiri’s grassroots football initiative is beginning to bear fruit. A nationwide talent scouting programme in Malawi has already identified at least nine promising young players. The project, funded through the Shepherd Bushiri Foundation, aims to unearth football talent from rural communities and provide pathways for development.
Phiri says Mbokazi’s natural talent is evidence that much rural talent remains unseen due to a lack of scouting. The former Malawi national team coach praised the programme, describing it as a timely intervention.
KINNAH PHIRI ELABORATES PROJECT SCOPE
Speaking on the sidelines of the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Francistown, Botswana, Phiri elaborated on the project’s scope. He confirmed that the bonanzas, staged in rural Malawi, have already proven effective in spotting raw talent.
“I’m working with the Prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, in Malawi. He came up with the idea and sponsorship to support bonanzas in rural areas. These bonanzas are really helping us identify very good young players in the communities,” said Phiri.
Reports indicate that the organisation funds each scouting event with 10 million Malawian Kwacha [about R100,000]. Phiri added that the long-term goal is to expand the programme to cover all districts across the country.
Scouts identified nine talented boys during the scouting process and will now integrate them into teams to support their further professional growth.
“This is a very good project, and we are continuing it until all districts have been covered. We are now able to identify young, talented players who can be developed to ensure that Malawi has a very strong team in the future through this same project,” he added.
KINNAH PHIRI CALLS FOR MORE SPONSORS IN FOOTBALL
Phiri, who coached the now-defunct Free State Stars in 2014, called on companies to emulate Mukuru, sponsors of the ongoing Four Nations tournament in Botswana. “Mukuru deserves recognition for organising this tournament at a time when the continent faces economic challenges. Without Mukuru, this event would not be taking place,” Phiri said.
He suggested that it would be beneficial for Mukuru to rotate hosting the Four Nations and to make it an annual event. Phiri believes that rotating it would help the participating countries develop their infrastructure, capacity to host international tournaments, and provide scouting opportunities for players.
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