Chakwera describes sports as an element of unity and economic growth

By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

President Lazarus Chakwera has said sporting disciplines including football remain one element of unity and economic growth among countries and people of different backgrounds.

Speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Thursday 21st March 2024, when he hosted the four national football teams of Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the host Malawi which are in the Capital city to battle it out in the Four Nations Tournament, President Chakwera said the First Lady and him were highly honored to host the four teams to a dinner at the Palace considering that football among others do break barriers, teaches generosity, and provides an excellent training ground for giving out oneself to achieve dreams and learning to rise from defeat.

For these reasons and more, what a nation invests in its sports is a reflection of how much value that nation places on its health, unity, sense of identity, growth, and its place in a global village” Said President Chakwera.

The President emphasized that Malawi’s commitment and determination to take all the sports disciplines including football to the next level, saying among others sports is part of the human development strategy at the heart of Malawi 2063.

Added the President; “This determination is the reason why we are eager to host international sporting competitions like this Four Nations Tournament to strengthen our ties with other nations that we want to do business with, for the growth of our economy”

In his remarks, Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire concurred with the representative of the three teams who is the secretary for Zimbabwe Football Association, Yvonne Mapika Manwa, saying the invitation to the Palace by President Chakwera shows his commitment towards sports development at both local and international levels.

“Let me assure you, Your Excellency and all Malawians that my Ministry will support the Four Nations Tournament program. I thank you, Your Excellency for hosting the teams because those will motivate them and convey the message of good hospitality by Malawi through Your Excellency’s wise leadership” Said Mkandawire.