By Rahim Abdul
The Mangochi District Youth Football Committee has called on all participating teams in the upcoming Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20 leagues to strictly follow proper player recruitment procedures, emphasizing development over shortcuts.
Vice General Secretary James Chakwana, speaking on behalf of the Mangochi District League, stressed that teams must focus on identifying and nurturing talented young players through structured systems rather than relying on informal or questionable recruitment practices.
Chakwana observed that building a strong foundation for young athletes requires discipline, transparency and adherence to football regulations, which he said are key to improving standards of the game at grassroots level.
He further expressed optimism that the forthcoming season will be more competitive and better organized than the previous one, citing increased awareness and commitment among stakeholders.
According to Chakwana, coaches will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of young players, hence the need for qualified personnel to lead the teams.
He emphasized that all coaches handling Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20 teams must possess at least a CAF D License, which is currently the minimum recognized qualification for coaching at that level.
In a statement released by the Mangochi District Youth Football Committee, all teams intending to participate in the leagues have been urged to fulfill several requirements before the set deadline.
Among the key requirements is the completion of all player transfers in accordance with established rules and regulations governing football competitions.
Teams have also been asked to submit the names of their coaches for each category, clearly indicating who will handle the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20 squads.
Additionally, clubs are required to provide details of the coaching qualifications for each coach, including the specific training courses they have completed.
The committee has set Sunday, April 19, 2026, as the deadline for submitting all the required information, warning that failure to comply may affect participation.
Meanwhile, the committee has clarified that each team must have separate coaches for each age category, stressing that it is not permitted for one coach to handle all three teams simultaneously.
