By Wellington Sibale & Trinity Kamwani

Neno, March 25, Mana: Philanthropist, Triphonia Mpinganjira, through her foundation Africa Child on Sunday launched a K10 million football and netball league in Neno.

Speaking during the launch, Mpinganjira who is spouse to business magnet, Dr Thom Mpinganjira, said the trophy will promote sports and raise awareness on non-communicable diseases like diabetes, asthma and epilepsy.

Mpinganjira, who comes from Neno, said the league targets both primary and secondary schools in Traditional Authority (TA) Chekucheku in the district.

“The foundation will work hand in hand with teachers to identify children that abscond from school for a week and make follow up,” she said.

She observed that most of the children are compelled to drop out of school from suffering from non-communicable diseases at the ignorance of parents or guardians and as such Africa Child will reach out to the children that drop out school.

District Youth Officer for Neno, Ian Sukali, commended Mpinganjira for the league describing it first of its kind.

He requested that the league be extended to other excluded traditional authorities.

During the launch, Chiwale Secondary played against Chikonde Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) while Chikonde Model Primary tussled with Kaponda Primary School and social teams, Neno United played against Neno Eagles FC.

All participating teams were presented with Triphonia Mpinganjira League branded kits.

Present at the event were former Malawi National Netball Team shooter, Mary Waya, and comedian Andrea 'Mr. Jokes' Thonyiwa.

Police parade spiced it up while Amapiano sensation, Zeze Kingston, performed before the crowd.

Africa Child Foundation has branches in Kasungu and Salima to ensure quality child education, child protection and health intervention for improved well-being.