By Linda Kwanjana
Its finally done. The much awaited award money is finally here.
Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Friday hosted Salima Secondary School football team following their third-place finish at the 2022/23 inaugural Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Schools Championship in Durban.
The team clinched a bronze medal and US$225,000 for their achievement.
In his congratulatory remarks to the players and officials, The President expressed gratitude for the achievement saying it has come at the right time when the country is emerging from mourning and depressing period following destruction caused by Cyclone Freddy.
The President noted that Salima Secondary School football team managed to produce good results because they possess a positive mindset towards the game and life in general.
He then implored all Malawians to emulate this aspect of living whereby no Malawian will speak ill of themselves and their country.
The President presented to the team, gift packs courtesy of NBS Bank. The financial institution will also open accounts for the players with a startup deposit of K100,000 which will only be accessed once they reach 18.
Writing on his Facebook page, Chakwera said he was so privileged to host and congratulate Salima Secondary School football team following their recent exploits that earned them a bronze medal at the 2022/23 Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Schools Championship in Durban.
“I have stated my profound appreciation to them for representing the country in a manner that has brought great joy to a suffering nation in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy. Furthermore, I have advised the lion hearted youngsters to continue projecting a victorious demeanor both on and off the field so that they continue excelling in all areas of their lives.
“I also highlighted that with the right mentality and frame of mind Malawians have the capacity to outdo not only contestants on the sports field but any other problem that we encounter on day to day basis,” he said.
The President has since thanked Football Association of Malawi for material and technical support to the team, NBS Bank for gifting the boys in response to the appeal, custodian institution Salima Secondary School, not forgetting parents and guardians for continued mentorship of the young ones.
