Former Flames midfielder Chimango Kayira has expressed his excitement following his appointment as Project Officer (Football for Development) for the non-governmental organisation, Mpira Mmudzi Mwathu (MMM).
As part of MMM’s expansion drive, the organisation on Friday appointed Kayira as its Project Officer.
In a statement announcing his appointment, the organisation expressed its belief and trust in the former Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder to add value to its goals and aspirations.
“The Board of Directors of Mpira Mmudzi Mwathu is pleased to announce that it has appointed former Flames and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Chimango Kayira as Project Officer (Football for Development). Chimango brings vast knowledge and experience having played at the highest level both locally and internationally for over 15 years,” read the statement.
Reacting to his appointment after reporting for his first training session on Saturday, Kayira said he was excited that the MMM Board has entrusted him with such a challenging task.
“I am thrilled to be given this chance to join football administration. Most often players who retire proceed to coaching but I’m glad to have changed that narrative. Former players can also manage an office,” he said.
In his new role, Kayira said, he will help to create a structure for MMM kids to be able to compete among themselves and exposing them to various platforms.
“I bring to MMM inspiration for the kids. Having played at the highest level, that alone will go a long way in pushing the young talent. I will also help to increase the organisation’s visibility. Just a day after joining MMM, the organisation’s Facebook page grew with more than 2,000 likes, so my task will be to make Mpira Mmudzi Mwathu a household name,” said the former Escom United midfielder.
Meanwhile, Kayira has announced that following his new role he has now retired from active football having played in top flight leagues in Malawi and Mozambique for 16 years.
“I am 36 years old now and a good dancer knows when to leave the stage. I have done my part and it’s time to help the young talent which is emerging in the TNM Super League,” said Kayira, citing Civo Service United’s defending midfielder Lloyd Aaron, Bullets’ Frank Willard and Silver Strikers’ Chikondi Kamanga as some of the local players he hopes to work with to see them grow their careers.
Until his appointment, Kayira was contracted to TNM Super League rookies, Blantyre-based Bangwe All Stars FC.
“Bangwe agreed to the transition. They understood the journey I am about to take and I am very grateful for their support,” he said.
In his new role, Kayira will be responsible for the development of project plans, organising outreach soccer activities, creating and analysing individual players’ data, as well as providing guidance to both MMM coaches and players.
Mpira Mmudzi Mwathu is a locally-registered NGO which focuses on using football for development
