By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent – Nathenje
The incumbent Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency, Hon. Eisenhower Mkaka of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has vowed to continue supporting the youth in his constituency through sports and development programs.
He made the remarks at Mwatibu Primary School, where he distributed sports uniforms to both male and female teams from across the constituency.
In his address, Hon. Mkaka encouraged the youth to be active in sports as a way of keeping physically fit and avoiding negative behaviors such as alcohol abuse, smoking, and early marriages.
“I want you to be exemplary because you are the leaders of today,” he said. “Do not politicize this league. This is not politics but my passion for supporting my community. This is my home, and I love my area and its young people.”
He further encouraged the youth to aim for higher levels of achievement in sports, citing an example of a player from the constituency who recently went for trials at Silver Strikers Football Club.
Hon. Mkaka also warned against violence during the competitions, saying he would take strict action against any form of misconduct. “Don’t indulge in violence. If I hear that happening, I will stop it,” he warned.
The lawmaker reminded the community that his development projects were based on promises he made to them and that he has always delivered on his word. “Some of my opponents said I couldn’t do it, but have I failed? I do what I promise,” he said.
This latest sports initiative follows another major project in Mkhwizi Village under Traditional Authority Mazengera, where Hon. Mkaka recently donated 15 solar-powered boreholes connected with taps. The project, funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), is expected to benefit about 5,000 people across 10 villages by providing safe and portable water to reduce waterborne diseases.
During the function, the chairperson of the sports committee thanked Hon. Mkaka for his inclusivity, noting that he does not segregate but involves all communities in various activities. He assured the MP that the league would be run with transparency and accountability, and that measures had been put in place to prevent violence.
One of the beneficiaries, Agness Chisale of Sanjiko Netball Team, expressed her gratitude for the uniforms, saying it was a dream come true. “We used to hear from friends in Mazengera Ward that Hon. Mkaka delivers, and now we have seen it with our own eyes,” she said. She also added that sports have already helped reduce early pregnancies and other negative behaviors among girls in the area.
In total, 30 football teams and 18 netball teams received uniforms. Each football team received 11 jerseys plus two reserve kits, while each netball team received 10 uniforms. The uniforms came in various colors, including blue, white, dark, and sky blue.
The MP allocated a total of K55 million towards the league, with K11 million going to football, K4 million to netball, and the remaining funds used for referees’ allowances, uniforms, stationery, and other logistics.
Prize money was also distributed, with the winning team from each ward receiving K1 million, runners-up receiving K700,000, third-placed teams K500,000, and other qualifying teams K250,000 each. Teams that did not qualify also received K100,000 each as a consolation prize.
So far, this has been described as the richest rural league in the district, and possibly the region, sponsored to such a high tune by a Member of Parliament.
The event was attended by Sanjiko Ward Shadow Councillor Hon. Bruno Daka, party officials, community leaders, and representatives of different sports teams. Netball players expressed their appreciation through songs, celebrating the MP’s ongoing support.
