Malaysian Abdul Musawir replaces South African coach at Malawi’s FIFA academy

Malaysian Abdul Musawir has replaced South African Thabo Senong at the head of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Luwinga Inclusive Academy. The association runs the academy in the Northern part of the country under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme.

In a statement, FAM confirmed the arrival of the FIFA-appointed Musawir to replace the former Bafana Bafana assistant coach. Senong has picked a new job at Highlanders FC in Zimbabwe.

“The former Sport Singapore Football Academy coach has been contracted for two years and will be deputised by Joseph Malizani, Robert Ng’ambi and Bridget Chirwa,” reads the statement.

“Abdul Musawir brings vast experience in high-performance football, with a strong background in elite talent identification, coach education and structured player development systems. He holds an AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Certificate and a UEFA B (England) Coaching Diploma.”

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Speaking during his unveiling ceremony at Mpira Village in Blantyre, Musawir, as quoted by FAM website, expressed his delight to pick up the new role.

“I am here to support the system, identify talent and work with youth players and coaches. Malawi has a lot of talent. Everything is here, and with a strong and visionary football president, it gives me confidence that I can support his efforts in talent development and youth football,” he said.

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is the mastermind of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme in his capacity as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development. The project seeks to strengthen youth development structures and improve competitiveness in men’s and women’s national teams worldwide.