The thoughts of most 14-year-olds will be on getting their homework done, or playing video games with friends.
But for Sammy Harvey, that was the age he was making his international debut.
Related news How will Man City cope without injured Rodri?
The teenage goalkeeper started for the Turks and Caicos Islands last month in their Concacaf Nations League match against Anguilla – whose starting goalkeeper in contrast was 41.
Unfortunately for Harvey that game ended in a 2-0 defeat, but his team-mates have the chance to gain revenge when the two sides meet again on Sunday (03:00 BST).
- Mighty Mukuru Wanderers crowned 2024 Castel Challenge Cup ChampionsIn a thrilling finale, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers emerged victorious, defeating Mzuzu City Hammers 1-0 at the Bingu National Stadium to…
- VP Dr. Michael Usi fails to respond to interview on UTM nomination processBy Burnett Munthali Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has not responded to an exclusive interview request sent to him between…
- Bright Vision CBO feeds children to alleviate hunger in ChadzaBy Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent As the Bible says, “I was hungry, and you fed me,” the alarming hunger crisis in…
- Salima Police urge community security teams to respect citizens’ rightsBy Burnett Munthali Police in Salima District have called on community security teams to avoid mistreating citizens while carrying out…
- 25-year-old Peter Davis shot dead by Police in MakanjiraBy Burnett Munthali Peter Davis, a 25-year-old man, has tragically lost his life after being shot in the stomach by…
- YAS commends conviction of six police officers in Buleya Lule Murder CaseBy Burnett Munthali Youth and Society (YAS) has welcomed the conviction of six police officers implicated in the murder of…
- Mangochi MP Lilian Patel condemns brutal killing of police officer, calls for action by chiefsBy Burnett Munthali Member of Parliament for Mangochi, Lirian Patel, has expressed profound sadness over the brutal killing of a…
- Steve’s response to Burnett Munthali’s Exclusive Interview: A thoughtful critique and praiseBy Burnett Munthali Truth be told. Good morning, Rick Dzida and Steve. Thank you for engaging with the exclusive interview…
- Exclusive Interview with Burnett MunthaliBy Rick Dzida Burnett Munthali, welcome to this exclusive interview with me , Rick Dzida. Suffice to say that this…
- Mukuru Wanderers Crowned 2024 Castel Challenge Cup ChampionsBy Twink Jones Gadama The 2024 Castel Challenge Cup came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers…
- Vice President Dr. Michael Usi Assures Malawians of Guidance in 2025 ElectionsBy Twink Jones Gadama Vice President of Malawi, Dr. Michael Usi, addressed a massive crowd at Chileka Community Day Secondary…
- Spreading Holiday Cheer: DPP Blue Professionals Bring Joy to Kamuzu Central HospitalBy Twink Jones Gadama In the spirit of the holiday season, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Blue Professionals initiative is…
- Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi Vows to Step Down in January 2025 Amid Election TensionsBy Twink Jones Gadama Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi has categorically denied allegations that he plans to extend his term in…
- NRB Principal Secretary addresses allegations of rigging operations at Kanengo NFRA WarehouseBy Burnett Munthali Lilongwe, Malawi – Following widespread allegations that the National Registration Bureau (NRB) was involved in electoral manipulation…
- Malawi’s Social Media Influencers Urged to Promote Responsible CommunicationBy Twink Jones Gadama In a bid to promote responsible communication and curb the spread of misinformation, a call has…
- Critical questions surround plane crash investigation: Public demands clarityMalawi Freedom Network As the dust settles following the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of top government officials…
- MEC’s Failure to Address Underage Voter Registration Raises QuestionsBy Twink Jones Gadama The Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) decision to proceed with supplementary voter registration has been marred by…
- Lake Malawi Dispute: Youth Alive Mchinji Accuses Government of NegligenceBy Twink Jones Gadama Youth Alive Mchinji, a local youth organization, has issued a scathing press statement condemning the government’s…
- Tanzania’s Territorial Ambitions: A Test of Leadership for Malawi’s ChakweraBy Twink Jones Gadama In a move that has sent shockwaves through the heart of Malawi, Tanzania has laid claim…
- Some of the facts about Dr. Patricia Kaliati “Akweni” now exposed1 Dr. Patricia Kaliati is a renowned Malawian politician with a strong background in education. She has served in various…
- Bon Kalindo slams Chakwera for weak leadership and boundary disputesBy Burnett Munthali An explosive audio clip by Malawian activist Bon Kalindo, popularly known as “The DC,” has been circulating…
- Comrade Edward Kambanje talks tough verbatim, condemning MCP youth Parliament disruptionBy Burnett Munthali In an exclusive interview, Comrade Edward Kambanje, the fiery representative of the Concerned Citizens of Malawi, did…
- Oldman Malinga criticizes MCP for disrupting parliamentary proceedings, defends constitutional democracyBy Burnett Munthali Veteran political commentator Oldman Malinga has strongly condemned the recent disturbances in Parliament, accusing the Malawi Congress…
- The parliamentary system in MalawiBy Burnett Munthali Malawi therefore has a unicameral legislature in practice. The National Assembly has 193 members of Parliament (MPs)…
- Malawi’s Parliament: A diminished bastion of democracyBy Burnett Munthali Malawi’s Parliament, once celebrated as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” stood as a beacon of democracy—a place…
- Leader of Opposition George Chaponda urges President Chakwera to reject recently passed billsBy Burnett Munthali Leader of Opposition George Chaponda has issued a stern call to President Lazarus Chakwera, urging him not…
- FAM Challenges Sports Journalists to Maintain Impartiality and ProfessionalismBy Draxon Maloya Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya has urged sports journalists to uphold impartiality and stay…
- Supplementary Voter Registration Exercise Set to CommenceBy Twink Jones Gadama The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced plans to conduct a supplementary voter registration exercise in…
- Police Officer Killed in Land Dispute InterventionBy Twink Jones Gadama A police officer, Benjamin Nyirenda, has been brutally killed by irate villagers in Mangochi while trying…
- Gotani Hara: The worst speaker of Parliament in AfricaBy Twink Jones Gadama Catherine Gotani Hara, the current Speaker of the National Assembly of Malawi, has found herself at…
- High Court Acquits 10 Police Officers, Convicts 11 Over Buleya Lule MurderBy Twink Jones Gadama In a highly anticipated judgment, the High Court in Lilongwe has acquitted 10 police officers and…
- Armed MCP Youth storm Parliament.By Twink Jones Gadama In a shocking turn of events, armed Malawi Congress Party (MCP) youths invaded the Parliament building…
- Reviving the Glory: How Malawi’s Netball Queens Can Reclaim Their Dominance in African NetballBy Twink Jones Gadama The Malawi Netball Queens, once a formidable force in African netball, have experienced a significant decline…
- MEC announces supplementary voter registration for 2025 General ElectionsBy Burnett Munthali The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced a supplementary voter registration exercise to address gaps identified during…
- Richard Chimwendo’s Insensitive Remarks Spark Outrage Amid Malawi’s Hunger CrisisBy Burnett Munthali Malawi continues to reel under the weight of a severe hunger crisis, with reports of communities resorting…
- Egenco unveils emergency preparedness plan for 2024-2025 rainfall seasonBy Burnett Munthali The Electricity Generation Company (Egenco) has introduced an emergency preparedness plan aimed at ensuring continued power generation…
- Malawi ranks fourth in Africa for high fuel prices as 2024 draws to a closeBy Burnett Munthali Malawi has secured the fourth spot on the list of African countries with the highest fuel prices…
- Failed leadership and leadership crisis: The case of MalawiBy Burnett Munthali Leadership is the cornerstone of progress and development. When it falters, societies struggle to thrive. In Malawi…
- TNM Mpamba partners with Football Legends Association for Malawi-Zambia friendly matchBy Burnett Munthali TNM Mpamba has partnered with the Football Legends Association to support the upcoming international friendly match between…
- Criticism surrounds MCP media spokesperson Chawezi BandaBy Burnett Munthali There is an undeniable truth in leadership: when only a few celebrate you while the majority complain,…
- Malawian youngsters shine at Africa Schools Chess Championship in GhanaBy Burnett Munthali Malawian chess players Dominic Chitsime and Alipo Namangale continue to battle at the Africa Schools Individual Chess…
- Help Christopher Joel achieve his dream of becoming a PharmacistBy Burnett Munthali Christopher Joel, a young and ambitious man from Traditional Authority Gumba in Mchinji, dreams of becoming a…
- Parliament reaches quorum to amend lawsBy Burnett Munthali Today, Malawi’s National Assembly achieved a quorum, with 160 Members of Parliament (MPs) present. This milestone paves…
- Bright Vision CBO urges chiefs to champion development effortsBy Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent Bright Vision Community-Based Organization (CBO) has called on traditional chiefs to actively participate in development activities…
- Victoria Geresomo launches ‘AU Africa Educates Her’ campaign in BalakaBy Burnett Munthali The Director of Education Planning in the Ministry of Education, Victoria Geresomo, has launched the “AU Africa…
- Future 4All praised for inclusive and disability-friendly initiatives in NtcheuThe Ntcheu District Monitoring and Analysis Officer for the Non-Governmental Regulatory Authority (NGORA), Priyanka Somanje, has commended Future 4All, a…
- Opinion: The best use of parliament by government and opposition – A reflection of Malawi Parliament*By Burnett Munthali The Parliament of Malawi serves as the cornerstone of democratic governance, providing a forum for public debate,…
- Challenges of our time: Poverty HITS HARD, EVEN Father Christmas strugglesBy Burnett Munthali The signs of economic distress are everywhere. Poverty has taken such a firm grip on the nation…
- Nkhotakota Human Rights Defenders decry lack of support for vulnerable groups during disastersBy Burnett Munthali Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Nkhotakota have raised concerns about the exclusion of vulnerable groups from disaster…
- Opinion: The best use of parliament by government and opposition – A reflection of Malawi Parliament*By Burnett Munthali The Parliament of Malawi serves as the cornerstone of democratic governance, providing a forum for public debate,…
- Red Lions and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve narrow gap with Ekhaya United in Thumbs Up LeagueBy Burnett Munthali Red Lions and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve have reduced Ekhaya United’s lead at the top of…
- New Labour Minister Engages Ministry Departments to Enhance PerformanceBy Twink Jones Gadama Honourable Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, the newly appointed Minister of Labour, has embarked on a series of…
- The Dark Legacy of the Malawi Congress Party: A History of Tragedy and DeceitBy Twink Jones Gadama The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has long been a significant player in the political landscape of…
- Understanding Nepotism in Malawi: A Case Study of Leadership and MeritocracyBy Twink Jones Gadama Nepotism, the practice of favoring relatives or friends when appointing individuals to positions of authority, has…
- Vasco Madhlopa plans memorial hotel and university to honor late Saulos ChilimaBy Burnett Munthali The leader of the newly formed National Youth Alliance (NYP) party, Vasco Mqobi Madhlopa, has announced ambitious…
- Exploring the traits of short individualsBy Twink Jones Gadama In a world that often equates height with authority, confidence, and capability, short individuals frequently find…
- Ingogulitsani matumba awiri a chimanga: Thumba la feteleza lakwana, according to President Chakwera’s economicsBy Burnett Munthali President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent remarks on the price of fertilizer have sparked widespread debate and criticism, as…
- Mini Fortuner Toyota Raize is low cost luxury SUV just in 8 Lakh rupeeIn the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, compact SUVs have carved out a significant niche, offering a perfect blend…
- “Enhancing Food Security for Orphans: Medcom Foundation Donates to Kasungu Caregivers”By Twink Jones Gadama Kasungu, Malawi – In a heartwarming gesture, Medcom Foundation has donated fertilizers, seeds, and trained 22…
- Farmers in Ntcheu District Receive Boost from National Economic Empowerment FundBy Twink Jones Gadama Ntcheu, Malawi – In a move aimed at transforming farmers into a secured food basket, the…
- “Unite and Bring Home the Trophy: Wanderers Supporters Urged to Rally Behind Nomads”By Twink Jones Gadama As the highly anticipated Castel Challenge Cup finals between Wanderers and Mzuzu City Hammers approaches, the…
- “Spreading Joy this Festive Season: Timveni Child and Media Organization Donates to Zoe Foundation Orphanage”By Twink Jones Gadama Lilongwe, Malawi – In the true spirit of giving during the festive season, Timveni Child and…
- Toyota Fortuner New look dominate the Indian Market, price is only 33 LakhDecember 19, 2024 by Sandeep Kumar The Toyota Fortuner, a stalwart in the SUV market, has received a series of updates for…
- Former President Dr. Joyce Banda reflects on the year gone byBy Burnett Munthali At the close of each year, many reflect on their achievements, challenges, and the lessons learned. For…
- Mutharika hosts Enock Chihana at Beachside residence in MangochiBy Burnett Munthali In a notable political development, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika hosted Alliance for Democracy (AFORD)…
- AFORD denounces fake letter condemning violence and criticizing DPPBy Burnett Munthali The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has firmly rejected a letter circulating on social media, which falsely claims…
- Mangochi Police beef up security and road safety efforts for festive seasonBy Burnett Munthali With the festive season fast approaching, the Mangochi Police are intensifying their efforts to ensure a safe…
- Malawi seeks billions of dollars from US firm over ruby salesMalawi’s government is demanding the astonishing sum of $309bn (£245bn) in unpaid taxes and royalties from a US-based gemstone company…
- People in Dowa hail SSRLP initiativeKONDWANI KANDIADO People around Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa have hailed the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program saying it…
- Chakwera receives inquiry report on plane crashBy Burnett Munthali President Lazarus Chakwera has confirmed via his Facebook page that the Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating…
- Social Activist Bon Kalindo’s explosive audio goes viral: A scathing critique of Malawian politiciansBy Burnett Munthali Renowned social activist Bon Kalindo, popularly known as “The DC,” has sent shockwaves across Malawi with a…
- MEC Chair Justice Mtalimanja, NRB Principal Secretary Mphatso Sambo face arrest over contempt of courtBy Burnett Munthali Blantyre, December 19, 2024 The High Court of Malawi in Blantyre is set to begin a crucial…
“After the first game, I did cry, knowing that my first game was a loss,” Harvey told BBC World Service Sport.
“[My coach] called me that same night to help me get my head back in it and get my head back up, and I was ready.
“I let it sink in knowing that, yes, I did play international level at 14 with a great experience. Let’s get ready for the next one to go again and prove to them that I can play at this level.”
Harvey says his footballing hero is his national team coach, Aaron Lawrence, who played in goal for Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup.
“I’ve watched a lot of his highlights from the World Cup days,” adds Harvey, who says he also admires Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson.
The teenager says it was his sister who first got him into football at the age of five, but initially he did not play as a goalkeeper.
“I started off as a left and right-back,” he said. “But when coach Aaron joined the programme I was on, his first days there, he put me in a goal and worked on me, my first ever goalkeeper coach.”
Harvey following in footsteps of other youngsters
Incredibly, Harvey’s achievement for the Turks and Caicos Islands is not unique.
He is the third 14 year-old to play for them after Christopher Louisy and Watson Jean-Louis, who are both now 19.
“Christopher knew I was going to play for the team because he was actually in that line-up,” Harvey added.
“We also played under-20s together, and we trained together a lot. So he had confidence in me. He knew I was ready. He just told me, don’t let it get to my head.
“And Watson, he wished me good luck. [It’s nice to know] that I have people to back me up, and to follow in their footsteps.”
Why are so many young players making their debuts?
For Turks and Caicos Islands coach Lawrence, the creation of the Concacaf Nations League six years ago provided the opportunity to give younger players the chance of senior football.
Lawrence says the competition provides more regular international games in which players coming through can be tested competitively, aiding their development.
He said: “[Turks and Caicos is] really a small island, and some of the older ones that were in college couldn’t get a chance to come to perform – and have stopped playing and started to work – because they haven’t seen the way forward with football.
“We’re trying in the development stage, and this is what we’re doing for these kids to help them to grow and hope that these young ones can maintain [their interest] and stay in football for a long period.
“These players will have something to look forward to and to play for, and something to really go out there and achieve.”
What could future hold for Harvey?
While Harvey’s debut did not go to plan with two goals conceded, he has plenty of time to develop.
A big Liverpool fan, his dream is to one day play for the Reds, and Lawrence sees no reason why he cannot ultimately go all the way.
Asked about his best qualities, he said: “His catching ability, quick reflexes and leaving the line.
“I think he has most of the qualities that a great goalkeeper has for the Premier League.
