By Suleman Chitera
Sports analysts have hailed Team Malawi’s spirited performance at the Region Five Youth Games, held in Windhoek, Namibia, from July 4 to 13, where the country scooped 32 medals and finished seventh out of ten participating nations.
Though the medal tally slightly dropped from 37 in 2022 to 32 this year, the team showed remarkable progress by claiming seven gold medals — a notable rise in top podium finishes — alongside 12 silver and 13 bronze.
“The men’s team needs to be greatly applauded as well. Despite losing in the finals, they managed to get there, and I believe at least four players from that team will be scouted to play professional football in other countries,” observed renowned sports analyst Parry Chinyama.
He urged the Malawi National Council of Sports to abandon last-minute preparations and invest in long-term athlete development, especially in a digital era where talent flourishes not just in traditional sports but also in e-sports and tech-driven disciplines.
“We should now target kids aged 13 to 14, so by the next Region Five Games, they’ll be 17 or 18 — mature enough to compete confidently at regional level,” Chinyama advised.
Another sports commentator, Kim Kamawu, echoed similar sentiments, calling for structured support for budding athletes through scholarships and developmental programmes.
“Let’s nurture this talent and give them educational support so they sharpen their skills and keep representing Malawi,” Kamawu said.
Among the standout performers was Malawi’s Under-20 football team, which attracted regional attention after four players — midfielder Madalisto Safuli, winger Misheck Billiat, centre-back Precious Manjawira, and striker Mwinsho Mhango — were named in the COSAFA Best XI.
Mhango was the star of the tournament, bagging both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament honours, cementing his place as a future prospect for Malawian football.
Despite the slight dip in overall medal count, Malawi’s improved gold medal haul and fighting spirit, especially in football, have rekindled optimism for the nation’s sporting future.
Analysts believe the youthful talent discovered in Windhoek could form a strong foundation for long-term growth in various disciplines if given the right support.
The Region Five Games remain a vital platform for Southern Africa’s youth to showcase talent, gain exposure, and build confidence on the regional and international stage.
