By Tione Andsen
Regional Organizing Committee (ROC) has expressed optimism that Malawi will be able to host African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Regional 5 Youth games in December 2022.
ROC Chairperson, Stanley Mutoya disclosed his Tuesday during a media briefing at the end of a three AUSC Regional 5 Youth Games Progress Review meeting by ROC members, Confederation members, Chief of Missions and Local Organizing committee (LOC) members held at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
He said by December 11, 2022 the infrastructures to be used for the games would be ready and Malawi would ably host the games.
Mutoya said the LOC has been able to fulfill a number of assignments since the last visit by ROC member in March, 2022.
“We have been impressed so far with the progress made and would like to encourage the LOC to speed up the implementation process to finalize certain aspects,” he added.
The Chairperson pointed out that Griffin Sayenda Netball and Kamuzu Institute aquatic arenas which are under construction should be ready by September, 2022.
He admitted that there were some delays in the procurement process of the two sites but we have been assured that things would improve for the better.
Mutoya said the issue of accommodation at Nalikule College and Natural Resources College are oh high standards only requiring some final touches to be done.
“For Nalikule, we need to set up Poly clinic to help our athletes when they are being housed at the place during the games,” he explained.
The Chairperson said Malawian authorities have demonstrated that they are keen to host the games and they have provided the necessary support.
Chief of Mission from Mozambique, Alfredo Mabombo said Malawi’s’ readiness to host the games has been impressive so far.
He urged the government to provide the necessary support to ensure that the remains works in playing area are finalized in time.
The AUSC Regional 5 Youth Games will be staged in December 2022 and 11 countries will be participating.
The Region has the following members Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Zambia.