FAM Faces Backlash for Donating Footballs to Bishop Mackenzie International School in Lilongwe

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has come under fire from local football fans after donating 20 footballs to Bishop Mackenzie International School, one of the country’s most prestigious private schools.

The donation, made on 7 May 2025, was accompanied by a one-hour football coaching session led by Flames Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa and the national team’s technical panel. FAM announced the gesture through its official Facebook page.

However, the move sparked backlash online, with many questioning why FAM would donate to a school perceived as well-resourced.

“This is a high level of wasting resources. Donate to community day secondary schools in remote areas,” one Netizen commented.
Another added, “Donating to the rich? Mmh.”

Critics argued that the donation could have been more impactful if directed to underprivileged schools lacking basic sports equipment.

Meanwhile, the donation was meant as a gesture of appreciation, as Bishop Mackenzie has consistently allowed the Flames to use its football pitch free of charge whenever the national team camps in Lilongwe.