So in Malawi’s football scene, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is all about boosting our elite league teams. They’ve laid down some rules called Club Licensing Regulations, and one of them (Article 10, to be exact) says every club has to have a Youth team, which we also call a Reserve team.

Now, all the big clubs in the Super League have ticked that box and set up their Reserve squads. But here’s the thing: what’s the deal with these teams? Right now, they don’t really have much going on. They’re stuck playing in lower leagues like the Regional Premier Division, fighting for spots in the big league.

Pilirani Kachinziri, veteran Sports Journalist from the Times Group, was talking on Times Radio about how FAM needs to find sponsors and set up special leagues and cups just for these Reserve teams. That way, they can really show off their skills and compete properly.

Then there’s Charles Nyirenda, a Football Analyst and Administrator, who thinks it would be awesome to have Reserve team games happening before the main matches. That way, fans can see the rising stars in action.

But, hold up! Ibrahim Sattar, another Soccer Analyst, has some concerns. He’s worried that setting up separate leagues for Reserves could be tough on clubs, especially those already struggling financially.

Sattar thinks it’s crucial for the big teams in the Elite League to find solid sponsors for their Reserve squads before diving into talks about new leagues for them.

Fleetwood Haiya, the big boss at FAM, spilled the beans about plans to get companies to invest in Reserve teams. Looks like there could be some exciting times ahead, with dedicated leagues just for our up-and-coming football heroes.

Oh, and shoutout to teams like FCB Nyasa Big Bullets! They’ve seen some real talent come through their Reserve teams, like Chimwemwe Idana, Patrick Mwaungulu, and Charles Petro. These guys have gone from Reserves to national team stars.