By Rahim Abdul
The Football Legends Association, a body that brings together former football players, has joined hands with the Blantyre City Council in an effort to restore the environment at Njamba Forest, one of the city’s most degraded natural areas.
The initiative will see members of the association and other stakeholders planting trees at the forest on March 17 as part of efforts to revive the once-thriving woodland.
According to the association’s chairperson, Jim Kalua, who also serves as the board chairperson of the Malawi National Council of Sports, the activity is expected to draw participation from various community members and leaders.
Kalua said the Mayor of Blantyre City, Isaac Jomo Osman, will lead the tree-planting exercise, which is scheduled to start at 6:00 in the morning.
He explained that the initiative reflects the association’s commitment to contributing to community development beyond football.
Kalua noted that former football players have a responsibility to use their influence to promote important causes such as environmental protection.
The association believes that restoring Njamba Forest will help protect the ecosystem while also benefiting communities living around the area.
Njamba Forest has in recent years suffered extensive damage due to rampant and illegal cutting down of trees.
Environmental experts have warned that continued deforestation in the area threatens biodiversity and increases the risk of soil erosion.
The upcoming tree-planting exercise is therefore expected to mark a significant step toward reversing some of the environmental damage.
Organizers have also encouraged residents and environmental enthusiasts to take part in the activity to help safeguard the forest for future generations.
With football legends now championing environmental conservation, the initiative demonstrates how sports personalities can use their platform to inspire positive change beyond the stadium.
