PETALING JAYA: Abdul Musawwir Abdul Gany knew that his stint in Malawi would not be a story about quick wins.
Appointed under FIFA’s talent development scheme, a global initiative led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, the Malaysian coach stepped into a role at the Luwinga Inclusive Academy that prioritised long-term plans.
He needed time to build structures, time to educate coaches, and time to allow young players to develop without the pressure of immediate results.
“This was about contributing to a long-term legacy, not just running sessions, but helping to build pathways that can last,” said Musawwir.
A few months into his stint, one thing has become clear to him, Malawi does not lack football talent.
Football is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and is the most followed sport at both community and national levels.
Young players were exposed to the game early, and academies had been filled with children who trained with enthusiasm and ambition.
The challenge at the academy, Musawwir explains, lies elsewhere.
“It’s about aligning talent identification, training and competition in a structured way,” he said.
Musawwir said he had been encouraged by committed coaches and attentive players.
“There is a solid foundation here. The people involved really care.”
“The coaches here are open and committed. That makes a big difference.”
Instead of imposing foreign systems, his role has been to work within the local context, improving daily training standards, supporting coaches, and helping create a common football language that everyone understands and can apply consistently.
“The idea is not to copy what top nations do,” he explains.
“It’s to build something that fits Malawi and can grow over time.”
For Musawwir, the move has been as much a personal education as a professional one.
Working with Malawian children has sharpened his understanding of patience, adaptability and perspective.
Their joy for the game, resilience and willingness to learn have left a lasting impression.
“It reminds you why you coach in the first place. The fundamentals matter. Relationships matter. Development takes time.”
Education forms a major part of his work.
Musawwir’s contract in Malawi is project-based, with an initial one-year term and an option to extend.
