The Sports Science section under the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) at MUST recently held discussions with the National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) to explore ways of strengthening the role of sports science in Malawian football. 

The two parties held their first engagement meeting on September 17, 2026, at the university’s Ndata Campus in Thyolo. 

The National Football Coaches Association was represented by Chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni and Vice Treasurer, Rabson Mutonga. 

The team was accompanied by prominent Malawian football agent and regional sports consultant Felix Ngamanya Sapao, who was instrumental in facilitating the partnership. 

Representatives from MUST comprised of Head of Clinical Sciences Department, Dr Linda Chokotho, Coordinator of the Centre for Clinical and Biological Sciences Research, Associate Professor Gama Bandawe, Head of Sports Science Section, Oscar Kanjala, as well as Sport Science lecturers Dr Bhekuzulu Khumalo, Sipho Helen Rutsate and Catherine Khumalo.

The proposed partnership aims to integrate sports science, technology and evidence-based approaches into football coaching and athlete development. 

“Discussions highlighted the need for stronger performance analysis, better interpretation of player data, and more support in strength and conditioning, sports psychology and nutrition,” said Dr Bandawe in an interview. 

With the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) preparing to acquire GPS and AI camera systems, participants stressed the importance of training coaches to use these tools effectively. 

According to Dr Bandawe, the two parties also discussed developing short courses and continuous professional development programmes in digital literacy, performance analysis and sports nutrition capacity for the NFCA’s more than 800-strong membership. 

“There were also discussions around a vision to strengthen MUST's capacity as a high-performance sports centre. Participants proposed jointly pursuing international funding and grant proposals to acquire specialist equipment, alongside engagement with corporate partners to support the high-performance centre development,” added Dr Bandawe. 

“We concluded with an agreement to draft a Memorandum of Understanding, conduct a coaches’ needs assessment survey and begin preparation of the first joint grant proposals. Parties also agreed on a follow-up meeting.” 

After the discussions, NFCA leaders were taken on a tour of MUST's sports science facilities. 

The collaboration reflects a broader vision to bring sports science into Malawi’s major sports, supporting coaches, technical teams and long-term athlete development in line with the strategic goals and long-term vision of MUST.