When the sun sits high in the Lilongwe sky, as our elders say, “even the lizards seek the shade,” but not the student-athletes of MATCH Foundation. The red clay courts became a battlefield on March 29, 2025 where 72 warriors from Ntcheu, Blantyre, and Lilongwe, still tender in years but mighty in spirit, crossed rackets in a dance as old as competition itself. They say, “a child who washes his hands can dine with elders,” and these young players had certainly earned their place at the table of respect. Each swing spoke volumes of the Play & Stay project’s hidden purpose not merely to train athletes, but to nurture and develop strong, resilient, and enduring character traits in young athletes.
MATCH Foundation invited junior players who qualified from their regions to compete at this first junior tennis tournament for 2025. With a total of 72 players, the foundation sent 30 athletes, Ntcheu team 18, Lilongwe Golf Club team 23 and 1 from Blantyre. As they moved across the court like gazelles dancing with the wind, while playing with determination the young athletes showcased great tennis potential. Ultimately, out of 18 medals, our athletes managed to secure a remarkable 10, Ntcheu took home 7, and Blantyre earned 1. The sound of balls meeting rackets became the heartbeat of Lilongwe that day, a rhythm that said, “I am because we are,” as the U10s chased each point with the energy of sunlight, while the U14 players were creating very complex and detailed strategies.
As the sun began its journey home, painting the sky in colors that would make a peacock envious, the tournament drew to a close. On this day, we had nurtured both the player and the person, proving that when given wings, the children of Malawi would not just fly—they would soar beyond the horizon where even eagles fear to venture. This tournament is part of the Play & Stay project which provides safe space for children and youth to thrive through sports and mentoring. It is through this same project that 6 of MATCH Foundation’s athletes are part of the Malawi Junior Tennis National Team.
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