Sports analyst Casper Jangale has commended the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) for promoting good governance, accountability, strategic planning and financial responsibility in the management of sport.
Jangale said the principles promoted by FIFA remain relevant to Malawi’s sporting sector, particularly as sports associations seek to become more sustainable.
“The message from FIFA has stood the test of time. It is simple, but also profound. FIFA expects its Member Associations to practise the same principles of good governance, accountability, strategic planning and financial responsibility,” he said.
He said the era of sports associations relying almost entirely on government funding should come to an end, urging them to explore sustainable ways of financing their operations.
“The world has changed. Government resources are limited, competing national priorities are numerous, and yet Malawi sport is virgin, yet to be explored further,” Jangale said.
He stressed the importance of long-term planning, saying every sports association should have clear objectives for the next three, five or even ten years.
Jangale’s comments come as MNCS continues to strengthen leadership and governance within the sports sector through a Sports Leadership Training Workshop held at Bingu National Stadium.
Opening the workshop on Thursday, MNCS Board Chairperson Jim Kalua said sporting excellence depends not only on talented athletes but also on capable, ethical and visionary leadership.
“Sporting excellence does not happen by accident. It is built deliberately through investment in people, systems, leadership and institutions,” Kalua said.
He challenged sports leaders to focus not only on developing strategic plans but also on implementing them.
“Having a strategy is only the beginning. Execution is what produces results,” he said.
Kalua said sports associations must strengthen governance, financial discipline, strategic execution, resource mobilisation, partnerships and sponsorship while embracing innovation and technology.
He also called for sporting institutions that are supported by strong systems rather than being dependent on individuals, saying MNCS cannot transform the sector alone.
He urged National Sports Associations, Government, the Malawi Olympic Committee, district sports structures, athletes, coaches, sponsors, development partners and the private sector to work together to build a stronger and more sustainable sports sector.
“The journey towards sporting excellence begins with leadership. It begins with competence. It begins with accountability. It begins with professionalism, and it begins with a willingness to learn, adapt and improve,” Kalua said.
