FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women managed to concede only three goals in the entire 2023 Season in South but Lioness beat the tally. Central Region Women’s Football Champions, MDF Lioness, has booked their place in the semi finals of the Goshen National Women’s Football Championship after thumping FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women 4-1 at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday in the Quarter finals.
Prolific Striker, Fazila Chiyembekezo fires Lioness ahead in the first half before Ruth Tambala and Laita Magombo’s brace sealed the win despite a Sharon Dzimau’s consolation goal put the game alive in the match for Lioness to roar and book a semi final spot for the first time in their history.
Lioness head coach, John Kaputa, said he was happy to reach the semi finals and described the win as a sweet revenge on Bullets Women who beat them last year in the similar tournament in Blantyre.
“Yes it a sweet revenge I think it’s what we told them to do better and not repeat what happened last year and I’m happy we have won and we look forward to prepare for our next challenge on Friday.” Said Kaputa.
@FaMalawi has announced that the much-awaited 2023 Goshen Women’s National Championship will be held between Monday, May 13 and Sunday, May 19, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.https://t.co/I3J1l65aPnpic.twitter.com/smpnSShN2Q
Meanwhile, Maggie Chombo Sadick is the head coach for the People’s team and said small mistake cost them in the match but she is happy to see how her young girls have performed at a big stage.
“I think we had some mistakes that let us to give our opponents the goals, in other minutes we were better but our defense looked sloppy but at least it is good for some other girls who have played well on the first big tournament.” Said Chombo.
After a balanced match in the opening minutes of the match, Lioness started pressuring and Fazila Chiyembekezo fired them ahead on 36th minute to put the in front at half time.
The People’s team came strong in the second half as they had almost four attempts on goal but missed before Ruth Tambala added second with a fine strike outside the box on 66th minute but a similar goal was scored by Sharon Dzimau to put the game alive 6 minutes later.
It was a moment of mistakes for the People’s team at the back and allowed Laita Magombo to get the team’s third goal on 84th minute and completed her brace two minutes later before Bernadette Mkandawire suffering a serious injury following a foul by Chiyembekezo in the later stages of the match.
Lioness has now reached the semi finals of the tournament and will on Friday face the winner between Silver Strikers Ladies and Moyale Sisters who face off in another Quarter final match on Wednesday. Civo Women will also MK Academy in another Quarter final match on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the tournament has left with no team from the Southern Region after Kukoma Ntopwa Queens were humbled by Ascent Academy 4-0 in the early kick off match and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Women lost 1-0 to Civo Women on Sunday.
The winner of the tournament will get K8 million with the K4 million going to runners up, the third-placed team will get K2 million, and K1.5 million will go to the fourth-placed team. The final will be played on 19th May 2024 at the same Bingu National Stadium.
Derby games always need moments of wizardry. Isaac Kaliyati officiously powered the blue camp ahead with his left-footed half-volley. Patrick Mwaungulu needed just three minutes after recess to glaringly maneuver the red camp level.
The second-best league fixture on the land, 24 titles shared among the two story-telling Clubs, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, only the Bullets-Silver Strikers fixture has more titles, 25. It lived up to its billing, didn’t it? Spoils were shared for the fourth consecutive time and the 15th time in 17 meetings.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers a top team with top performance in the first half, dwindled early in the second half with Kalisto Pasuwa making just two alterations to his team at halftime.
From superior to inferior, Wanderers saw themselves hunting for the second goal after succumbing to Mwaungulu’s well-orchestrated goal.
Ramadan outdoes Pasuwa in the first half with the midfield overload
After the morale-sapping setbacks to their draw against Bangwe All Stars, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers thought that they had grabbed the much-needed injection of positivity when Isaac Kaliyati sent the blue stand into a wild celebration.
They could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at the break, but their profligacy haunted them at last. Development is not linear and rarely predictable. Wanderers could sense it, they have now gone four league games without a defeat to their neighbors, and the Nomads have had their swagger back when they face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in league games. Since losing 1-0 in 2017 courtesy of Emmanuel Zoya’s strike, Wanderers had gone 7 league games undefeated against Bullets until a 2-1 defeat in 2022.
10 out of their last 12 league meetings ended in stalemate with each team bagging one win. But their first-half performance on Saturday was appetizing.
Nsazurwimo Ramadan was tasked to make Wanderers Mighty again after the team’s swagger and mojo dwindled in the last 6 years. Wanderers have won just one trophy since 2018, but it was against their cross-town rivals in the Airtel Top 8 Cup.
The Burundian gaffer opted for a 4-4-2, a formation that emerged midway through the 20th century. The whole motive of Ramadan could be to neutralize Bullets’ three-man midfield. Blessings Singini was the main man doing the dirty work.
Wisdom Mpinganjira and Isaac Kaliyati on paper were deployed as wide players with Singini and Felix Zulu playing as a double pivot.
“It’s one of those games where we struggled to contain them [Wanderers] in the first half because of their pace. We were second on the ball most of the time and we couldn’t do more in terms of attacking,” Kalisto Pasuwa admitted after the game.
Like Russian coach Viktor Maslov, Ramada developed another variation in which the two wingers dropped back alongside the two central midfielders. So originated the 4-4-2, which worked to overload opposition midfielders with traditionally fewer numbers. Kaliyati and Mpinganjira could squeeze themselves inside to add numbers in midfield thereby outnumbering Bullets’ reckless three midfielders. Blessings Singini is not only good defensively, but also offensively only that he was limited in the game. His presence at the base of midfield, powered Wanderers more.
Mighty Wanderers when out of possession. Model courtesy of internet
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ opener was the work of the midfield with Nyekez commanding the centre before Kaliyati was released on the left who combined well with Gaddie Chirwa to beat Innocent Nyasulu with a half-volley.
Singini and Zulu who were the two central midfielders connected the back line to the forwards through their accurate range of passing, operating deep or as box-to-box runners.
Gaddie Chirwa was the dangerous man in Wanderers’ third distinct line. Ramadan will need a new striker or drilling the same Kumwembe in terms of finishing if they are to challenge for the championship this season. Chirwa outsmarted Precious Phiri on the left before finding Jacama whose effort kissed the sidenet to the agony of the supporters, he could have done better to chip the ball over the keeper in his next attempt.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have been suffering from Alfred Manyozo Jr’s hangover since his “forced” retirement. Zulu-Mwakanyongo’s double pivot didn’t provide what the veteran midfielder used to, but the current pivot does.
“A couple of years ago, I remember how thoroughly I used to prepare for a Blantyre derby knowing the magnitude of pride the fixture carries.
“One of the important elements during my mental preparations was how to deal with Felix Zulu who usually sat on a double pivot with Captain Manyozo.
“His energy tanks and tactical awareness to give balance to a midfield have always been his greatest assets. Fast forward to 2024 – Felix Zulu sits on a double pivot with a young Singini and brings a fire that boils the pot of the derby.
“Fans may tend to treat such performances as nothing special but trust me it may take a long time to get someone like him when he retires. He might not have harnessed the wind at the national team level but he goes down the history as one of the few locals who made nomads smile over the years,” former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Flames defending midfielder, Chimango Kayira heaped praise on Zulu after a ridiculous performance in the Blantyre Derby.
Whether they use a double or single pivot, Nomads’ subsequent players in that No 6 role have each produced different performances, but none comprehensive enough to be an all-rounder who can help Wanderers’ build-up phase, dictate the tempo of the match, and progress the ball up the pitch in possession, while offering the team a strong presence out of possession in terms of positioning and defensive impact. Last season, Stanley Sanudi was used as the No 6 in midfield but he couldn’t deliver Manyozo’s impact
The arrival of Blessings Singini who scored 20 league goals for Ekwendeni Hammers, was meant to elevate Wanderers’ midfield, with the midfielder starting to gel in Ramadan’s double pivot in a 4-4-2 shape but an injury kept him away from Bangwe All Stars’ game.
Singini’s impressive press resistance and ability to play in tight areas will be essential to this Wanderers side in many games. However, it needs to be complemented with a player who can be physically imposing, defensively aware in terms of his positioning, and who offers the required intensity and impact without the ball, Zulu possesses that.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers shape when in possession
Stanley Sanudi received a sideways pass from Chaziya in his own half, looked up and spotted Kumwembe’s darting run into the space between the opposition’s full-back and centre back, Gome and Mapemba, his piercing pass sent the striker racing into the penalty area, with only goalkeeper Nyasulu to beat but the striker flashed wide.
The Nomads won the battle in the Midfield in the first half, they restricted Bullets to just two chances, thanks to Richard Chipuwa for disturbing Ephraim Kondowe.
Two changes, Bullets back in the game, Mwaungulu tricks Nomads
Lloyd Banega Aaron, one of the best midfielders in 2023 was pocketed by Singin and Zulu, he didn’t appear again for a restart. Lanjesi Nkhoma who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, didn’t appear again for a restart.
Kalisto Pasuwa has been fond of making halftime changes starting from last season. He has to revert to his usual tactics. Babatunde Adepoju and Ronald Chitiyo were needed to electrify the attack and control the midfield. It was a turning point.
“As I said, we had a very good first half, but unfortunately when we came out for the second half, we didn’t play the way we wanted. They [Bullets] disturbed us with their halftime changes. They put tall strikers who were good in the air,” admitted Meke Mwase after the game.
Chitiyo has vast experience in football. His presence helped Bullets to reclaim the power in midfield. Babatunde Adepoju’s physicality and aerial prowess gave Bullets an advantage back into the game.
Ronald Chitiyo offered Bullets way back in the game.
Patrick Mwaungulu and Chitiyo played as double eights allowing Ernest Petro to drop back and pair with Yankho Singo. In the first half, Mwaungulu held a wide position to create space infield for an attacking midfielder, Ernest Petro to run into, but he didn’t. In the second half, he moved infield, meanwhile, to create space on the outside for a full-back, Phiri to overlap.
Babatunde who was supposed to play as a left forward made himself a center-forward to pair with Ephraim Kondowe. He moved across the pitch as the attack built, pinning the opposition’s ball-side center-back. The forward dropped short to link and help create overloads in central midfield, and provide direct runs beyond the opposition. These runs are often to try and get on the end of through balls, and in the process, they pushed Wanderers’ defense back into deeper territory.
Mwaungulu’s output is much better when playing as a number 10 than number 7 or 11. He registers several assists when playing from wide but he scores goals when playing as a number 10 and he also creates. His link-up with the number 9 made him a special player.
Ephraim Kondowe, Babatunde pinned Wanderers’ defence to defend in the first line.
Chitiyo released the ball to the lanky forward, Babatunde who just controlled the ball leaving Mwaungulu to strike perfectly with his left foot beating Richard Chipuwa who had kept clean sheets in three games consecutively [against FOMO, CRECK, and Bangwe.] That’s his second goal against Wanderers in two games.
— FCB Nyasa Big Bullets (@nyasabigbullets) May 5, 2024
Wanderers are now a changed team as admitted by Mwase. An early setback could demoralize them as they came close to getting the second but Felix Zulu’s longing ball agonizingly rattled the cross-bar.
Babatunde Adepoju has five goals against Wanderers. He would have registered his sixth goal but he was too heavy to benefit from Mwaungulu’s pass as Chipuwa judged it well to disturb him.
Wanderers will look to build from their Derby performance with Karonga United coming next while Bullets are travelling to Chitowe to face struggling Mafco FC.
Former Malawi National Team captain Joseph Kamwendo has been promoted to second assistant coach at CAPS United in Zimbabwe. Kamwendo returned to the Zimbabwean club last year, initially working as developmental coach.
According to the new technical panel released by the club, Kamwendo will now take on dual roles, serving as second assistant coach for the senior team while continuing as Head Coach of the developmental side, Greenbloods Academy.
“The appointment of Takesure Chiragwi as Head Coach, alongside Ian Bakala as 1st Assistant Coach and Joseph Kamwendo as 2nd Assistant Coach, Claudious Gunduza as Goalkeepers Coach, and Tinashe Nengomasha as Team Manager, brings a wealth of experience to Caps United FC,” the club stated.
The statement highlighted the trio’s connection to the club. “Notably, Takesure Chiragwi, Ian Bakala and Joseph Kamwendo have a strong connection to the club, having played for Caps United FC in the past. This familiarity with the club’s culture and expectations will undoubtedly benefit the team.”
The club praised Kamwendo’s expertise as a former midfielder, noting it will enhance the team’s tactical approach and allow him to provide valuable insights to the midfielders. His international experience is expected to benefit the team’s attacking play, while his role with Greenbloods Academy will assist in identifying young talent and integrating them into the senior team.
In an interview with The African Chronicle, Kamwendo confirmed his appointment and said he would work under head coach Takesure Chiragwi, a former teammate from his playing days at CAPS United.
“It’s at CAPS United. I am the head of development and second assistant coach for the main team. The head coach is a local guy, Takesure Chiragwi. I played with him as well,” Kamwendo said.
The appointment carries deep personal significance for the former midfield enforcer, who first rose to prominence at CAPS United before earning a move to Europe and later joining South African giants Orlando Pirates.
“This was my first professional club and the team that gave me the opportunity to play in Europe,” he said. “It means a lot to come back and serve the club again, this time in a different capacity.”
Kamwendo expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I am honoured and grateful to the club president, Honourable Farai Jere, for the opportunity. I will do my best to help bring back the glory days.”
Kamwendo’s return is seen as part of CAPS United’s broader effort to rebuild both its first team and long-term player pipeline. The club has placed renewed emphasis on youth development and technical stability, with his dual role expected to see him work closely with young players while contributing to the senior team’s tactical setup.
During his playing days, Kamwendo etched his name into Zimbabwean football history by becoming the first foreign player to be crowned Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year, an accolade that underlined his impact during his time at CAPS United. His performances later earned him a move to Denmark before he joined Orlando Pirates, where he further cemented his reputation as a hard-working and disciplined midfielder.
At the international level, Kamwendo captained the Malawi national team and was a mainstay in the Flames setup for several years, bringing leadership and experience to both club and country.
Since retiring from playing, he has steadily built a coaching résumé across the region. Most recently, he was in charge of Malawi Super League side Creek Sports FC, following earlier stints with other Malawian teams as he worked through the coaching ranks.
Malawi Flames midfielder Lloyd Banega Aaron has left Qatari club Muaithe SC just six months after joining the side.
The club confirmed Aaron’s departure on Wednesday, announcing his exit alongside seven other players as part of a squad overhaul. However, Muaithe did not disclose the players’ next destinations.
“Thank you for what you have given to Muather Club, and good luck on your journey ahead 🤍 You will always be a part of the Kahilan family 💜,” the club wrote in a statement.
Aaron joined Muaithe SC in July 2025 on a reported three-year contract, meaning he still had approximately two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal at the time of his departure.
Two months after arriving in Qatar, the defensive midfielder signed with Prosport International, a reputable global sports management organisation that provides a 360-degree service across the sports industry. Efforts to obtain a comment from the player’s representatives at Prosport International were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
The Malawian international moved to Muaithe from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a deal officially reported to be worth around MK200 million, although sources close to the transfer have indicated the actual figure exceeded MK400 million.
Aaron joined Big Bullets in January 2024 and quickly established himself as a key figure at the club, eventually being handed the captain’s armband. During his one-and-a-half-year spell with the People’s Team, he helped Bullets secure two Airtel Top 8 titles.
His early exit from Muaithe SC now raises questions about his next move as he looks to revive his club career while remaining an important part of the Malawi national team setup.
The Mighty Wanderers Football Club continues to struggle under the weight of debts incurred eight years ago, with multiple court cases still pending and repayments ongoing, according to revelations by the club’s leadership.
Speaking candidly about the financial burdens inherited from previous administrations, current Board Chairperson and President Thom Mpinganjira has attributed the debt crisis to what he describes as mismanagement and exploitation through predatory lending practices known locally as “katapila.”
The roots of Wanderers’ financial troubles trace back to their participation in the CAF Champions League in 2018. What should have been a milestone achievement for the Blantyre-based giants quickly turned into a financial nightmare when their then-sponsor, Befoward, withdrew financial support for the continental campaign.
Left without adequate backing, club officials at the time resorted to emergency loans to cover essential tournament expenses, including air tickets and player accommodation. These debts rapidly ballooned to over MK60 million, creating a financial burden that has haunted the club for nearly a decade.
Mpinganjira has been particularly critical of the decision by previous club officials to turn to katapila—informal, high-interest loans that are notorious for their exploitative terms and rapid debt accumulation.
“They used to do katapila, some of which, these debts we are still paying now,” Mpinganjira told MBC Radio 2. “Previous officials, I understand, were taking money. I don’t know whether the money was reaching the club.”
The business mogul revealed that even some officials themselves were giving the club katapila loans, creating a complex web of debt relationships. The particularly troubling aspect of these arrangements, he noted, is the nature of katapila lending practices.
Wanderers team in 2018
“The problem with katapila is that they double the amount of money taken,” Mpinganjira said. “So if it was millions, there are a lot of money. Those days, the katapila would come right away at the stadium to get the money soon after the game.”
This practice meant that lenders would position themselves at the stadium immediately after matches to collect repayments from gate receipts, effectively strangling the club’s cash flow and ability to invest in football operations.
The financial mismanagement has resulted in numerous legal complications that the current administration is still working to resolve. “There are so many court cases that we are dealing with,” Mpinganjira confirmed, highlighting the extent to which the debt crisis has created ongoing legal entanglements for the club.
Questions have also been raised about financial transparency during that period, with Mpinganjira suggesting that some borrowed funds may not have reached the club’s coffers at all, hinting at possible misappropriation by officials who benefited personally from the financial chaos.
Thom Mpinganjira assumed full financial responsibility for the Nomads in 2022, marking a turning point in the club’s fortunes. The prominent businessman has worked tirelessly to stabilize and transform the historic institution, injecting approximately MK2 billion into the club as of 2024.
His substantial investment has not only helped address legacy debts but has also funded comprehensive restructuring efforts aimed at putting the club on sustainable footing. The financial backing has enabled improvements in player recruitment, training facilities, administrative capacity, and overall club operations.
Despite the ongoing financial challenges, Mpinganjira’s stewardship has yielded impressive results on the pitch. In 2025, the Mighty Wanderers reclaimed the league championship, demonstrating that proper management and investment can restore a club’s competitive edge even while addressing historical financial burdens.
The league triumph represents not just sporting success but also vindication of Mpinganjira’s approach to rebuilding one of Malawi’s most storied football institutions from the ground up.
Civil Service United Head Coach Abbas Makawa has issued a rallying call to the club’s management, insisting that retaining their star players during the forthcoming transfer window will be crucial if the Servants are to mount a serious challenge for silverware in the 2026 season.
The declaration comes as Civil Service United’s 2025 campaign draws to a close, with the Lilongwe-based outfit finishing a respectable fifth in the TNM Super League standings—a position that belies the dramatic transformation the team underwent as the season progressed.
The Servants’ journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a nightmarish start that saw them collect just one win from their opening eight matches, many observers had written off Makawa’s side as potential relegation candidates. The pressure on the coach was mounting, and questions were being asked about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
However, what followed was one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent TNM Super League history. Following their seventh league game—a loss to Silver Strikers that left them languishing near the bottom of the table—Civil Service United went on an extraordinary 14-match unbeaten streak. During this remarkable run, they won nine games and drew five, climbing the table and establishing themselves as one of the form teams in the league.
This resurgence demonstrated the quality within Makawa’s squad and proved that, when firing on all cylinders, Civil Service United can compete with anyone in Malawian football. The transformation was particularly impressive considering the difficult circumstances under which it was achieved, with the coach working with limited resources and facing constant speculation about the futures of his key players.
Despite their league resurgence, silverware remained elusive for the Servants. The team reached the semifinals of both the Airtel Top 8 Cup and the FDH Bank Cup, raising hopes of ending their trophy drought. However, on both occasions, they fell agonizingly short, with city rivals Silver Strikers proving to be their nemesis.
The double disappointment was particularly painful for Makawa and his players, who had worked tirelessly to reach those crucial stages. The losses highlighted the fine margins that separate good teams from great ones, and underscored the need for squad depth and quality reinforcements.
Civil’s season came to a disappointing conclusion last weekend when they were eliminated from the Castel Challenge Cup at the round of 16 stage. A shock defeat to Mighty Tigers at Mpira Stadium brought the curtain down on what had ultimately been a season of mixed emotions—one that promised much but ultimately delivered little in terms of tangible success.
Now, as the team heads into the off-season, Makawa is already looking ahead to 2026 with a mixture of optimism and concern. Speaking candidly after the Castel Challenge Cup elimination, the coach emphasized that a thorough review of the season would be conducted.
“We need to sit down and do a comprehensive assessment of the season,” Makawa explained. “We must identify where we performed well and where we came up short, so that we can make the necessary corrections and improvements.”
The coach was particularly emphatic about the importance of squad stability moving forward. “Hopefully, we are going to have a better team and a better season if we can keep our players,” he stressed. “If we maintain our current squad and perhaps add one or two quality additions, we can achieve great things. As you can see from how we finished the season, when this team clicks, we are capable of competing with anyone.”
Makawa’s concerns about player retention are not unfounded. Civil Service United has developed an unfortunate reputation as a feeder club, consistently losing their best talents to bigger teams with deeper pockets. This trend has prevented the club from building the continuity and team chemistry necessary for sustained success.
Last season provided a painful example of this problem. The Servants lost two of their most influential midfielders, Moses Banda and Blessings Malinda, who both departed for Ekaya FC in July. Their exits left a significant void in the team’s engine room and forced Makawa to rebuild his midfield from scratch at a crucial point in the campaign.
The current transfer window threatens to be even more disruptive. Towering central defender Peter Thuso Ng’ambi, who has been a rock at the heart of Civil’s defense during their impressive unbeaten run, has attracted serious interest from league champions Mighty Wanderers. The 24-year-old’s commanding presence, aerial dominance, and ability to play out from the back have made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the country.
Losing Ng’ambi would be a massive blow to Civil’s defensive structure, particularly given how solid they became during the second half of the season. His partnership with fellow center-back has been one of the cornerstones of the team’s improvement, and replacing him would be extremely difficult.
Additionally, versatile player Yankho Billiati has been heavily linked with a move to Silver Strikers. Billiati’s ability to play in multiple positions across the midfield and defense has made him invaluable to Makawa’s tactical plans, and his potential departure would further deplete the squad’s quality and depth.
The Super League of Malawi (SULOM) has firmly denied breaching contractual terms with former sponsors Telecom Network Malawi (TNM) PLC following the unveiling of FDH Bank as the league’s new title sponsor.
The league’s governing body last week announced FDH Bank as the new bankrollers of Malawi’s top-flight football competition, ending TNM’s 19-year association with the league. Under the new arrangement, FDH Bank will inject MK1 billion annually over the next five years, with the competition now rebranded as the FDH Bank Premiership.
The announcement caught TNM off guard. In a statement issued on Monday, the telecommunications giant claimed it had been engaged in ongoing discussions with SULOM regarding sponsorship renewal in line with its contractual pre-emptive rights.
“TNM plc has been engaged in discussions with SULOM regarding the renewal of its sponsorship of the TNM Super League in line with its contractual pre-emptive rights,” the statement read. “While these discussions were still ongoing, TNM learned through the media that SULOM has entered another sponsorship arrangement.”
TNM expressed disappointment at the development, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to Malawian football. The company indicated that further updates would be provided in due course.
When SULOM sent a letter informing them of the new partnership and requesting an exit meeting to formally thank the company for its 18 years of support, they responded within two hours stating: “We cannot allow you to have another partner because we have invested a lot in the League.”
SULOM Presents Detailed Timeline
However, SULOM president Brigadier Gilbert Mittawa, who is also a lawyer, has dismissed claims of any contractual breach. He presented a comprehensive chronology of communication attempts that, he argues, demonstrates SULOM acted procedurally.
October 7, 2025: SULOM wrote to TNM reminding them to renew the expiring contract.
October 16: The league body followed up requesting a response. TNM replied the same day, confirming their intention to extend the contract.
October 30: SULOM sent a cover letter and proposal, requesting a meeting on November 7 or 8. TNM responded via email asking for a slide comparing the proposed value with other cups in the country.
November 11: SULOM sent a revised proposal and confirmed availability for a meeting rescheduled to November 19.
November 19: Both parties met in Lilongwe, where TNM officials highlighted their commitment to continue supporting the league and indicated their board meeting would be held on December 15, where the commitment would be endorsed.
December 22: SULOM reminded TNM of the feedback, knowing the board meeting had taken place. No response came.
December 31: With time running out and no response from TNM, SULOM wrote officially informing them they were proceeding to engage another potential partner. Again, there was no response.
Mittawa said that TNM’s lack of response forced SULOM’s hand. “All these letters TNM was not responding, not even acknowledging receipt. Due to their lack of response, SULOM Exco met and agreed to explore other avenues,” he explained.
He added that the league body subsequently sent another letter informing TNM they had secured a new partner and would proceed to unveil them, but first wanted an exit meeting to formally thank the company for its 18 years of partnership.
“Two hours later, they responded stating that they cannot allow us to have another partner because they have invested a lot in the League. So, as you may see, we have had a great deal of communication to which they were not responding,” Mittawa said.
The SULOM president maintained that all necessary procedures were followed. “Before announcing FDH Bank as the new sponsors of the league, we wrote TNM plc, informing them that we were proceeding with other avenues. What I can tell you is that there was no breach of contract as we followed all the necessary steps.”
Confident in their position, SULOM has challenged TNM to pursue legal action if they believe something went amiss. “I think it will be useless for the company to sue us because everything was procedural on our part,” Mittawa told Nation Sports.
Despite the dispute, SULOM expects TNM to honor its contractual obligations for the 2025 season, including disbursing prizes to teams and individuals.
Under the previous arrangement, TNM bankrolled the league with K500 million per season. Champions Mighty Wanderers are due to receive K100 million, runners-up FCB Nyasa Bullets K40 million, and third-placed Silver Strikers K30 million. The most improved team is assured of K4 million.
Individual awards are also pending. The best player will receive K3 million, while joint top-scorers Chikumbutso Salima and Babatunde Adepoju of Bullets will share K2 million. The best defender, midfielder, goalkeeper, rookie, and coach will each receive K1 million, while the best four referees will receive K300,000 apiece.
“The contract we signed was up to the end of 2025 season. Therefore, the expectation is that TNM will honor their obligation to give teams and individuals their prizes. It is up to them to choose when to do that,” said Mittawa.
TNM has stated that the company remains deeply committed to the growth and development of Malawian football and is proud to have supported the country’s top-flight league for the past 19 years.
When the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and FDH Bank announced their partnership to launch the FDH Bank Cup in 2021—replacing the FISD Challenge Cup—they envisioned a five-season investment totaling MK450 million. However, by the time the deal expired in December 2025, the bank had exceeded this projection significantly, having deliberately increased their contributions year on year.
By the partnership’s conclusion, FDH Bank had injected MK700 million into the competition—55.56% more than initially estimated. The increases were gradual and intentional: MK90 million in both 2021 and 2022, MK120 million in 2023, MK150 million in 2024, and MK250 million in 2025.
The FDH Bank Cup was quickly nicknamed “Pachema”—a Chichewa phrase meaning “it’s heating up”—and it certainly delivered on that promise. Over five years, only three teams claimed the trophy, though seven different clubs reached the finals.
Silver Strikers inaugurated the competition with victory over newcomers Mzuzu City Hammers in 2021. Nyasa Big Bullets dominated the following two years, defeating their own reserve side in 2022 and Mafco FC in 2023. Blue Eagles broke the pattern in 2024 by overcoming Bullets, before Silver Strikers reclaimed the trophy in 2025 with a win against Mighty Wanderers.
Silver Strikers appeared in two finals and won both, Bullets reached three finals and won twice, while Blue Eagles converted their sole final appearance into victory.
Perhaps the tournament’s most significant legacy was its Discovery of the Tournament award, which proved to be a genuine catalyst for young players’ careers.
Zebron Kalima claimed the inaugural award in 2021 during his first season in the elite league with Silver Strikers. His performances earned him a place in Malawi’s squad for the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Chikumbutso Salima won the 2022 award while playing for Bullets Reserve. He subsequently went on loan to Bangwe All Stars in the 2023 Super League season, returned to Bullets’ first team for two seasons, and has now secured a blockbuster MK300 million transfer to Al-Merrikh in Sudan.
Yahaya Maitano took the 2023 honor while representing Santhe Admarc, though he has struggled to maintain that early momentum since.
Goalkeeper Joshua Waka earned the 2024 award with Blue Eagles and has since moved to Ekhaya FC while earning call-ups to the national team, the Flames.
All four players built their reputations through standout performances in the FDH Bank Cup.
Following their announcement of a major sponsorship deal with the Super League of Malawi, FDH Bank confirmed they would not renew their partnership with FAM for the cup competition, choosing instead to concentrate their resources on the elite league.
Speaking at the league sponsorship unveiling at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre, FDH Bank Plc Managing Director Noel Mkulichi explained the strategic decision.
“We will do away with the FDH Bank Football Cup,” Mkulichi said in an interview. “Other sports sponsorships, including the Flames and the FDH Bank Netball Premiership, will remain intact.”
The move marks the end of a competition that, despite its relatively brief existence, made a lasting impact on Malawian football by providing both thrilling matches and a platform for emerging talent to shine on the national stage.
Super League of Malawi President Brigadier Gilbert Mittawa said TNM PLC told them that they would not allow them to enter into partnership with other companies to sponsor the league because they have invested a lot in the league.
The controversy emerged after the 19-year partnership between SULOM and the telecommunications company expired in December, prompting the league body to sign a five-year contract with FDH Bank worth MK5 billion.
TNM expressed displeasure upon learning of the FDH Bank deal, accusing SULOM of failing to comply with contractual provisions regarding extension rights.
In a statement, the mobile network provider said it had been engaged in discussions with SULOM regarding sponsorship renewal in line with its contractual pre-emptive rights.
“While these discussions were still ongoing, TNM learned through the media that Sulom has entered another sponsorship arrangement,” the statement read.
The company indicated it is addressing the matter “through the appropriate channels” while reaffirming its commitment to Malawian football after supporting the top-flight league for 19 years.
Mittawa defended the association’s decision, saying it was unfortunate the issue was being discussed in the media when SULOM had exhausted all means to get the contract renewed.
The SULOM president presented a detailed chronology of communication attempts:
October 7, 2025: SULOM wrote to TNM reminding them to renew the expiring contract.
October 16: The league body followed up requesting a response. TNM replied the same day, confirming they wanted to extend the contract.
October 30: SULOM sent a cover letter and proposal, requesting a meeting on November 7 or 8. TNM responded via email asking for a slide comparing the proposed value with other cups in the country.
November 11: SULOM sent a revised proposal and confirmed availability for a meeting rescheduled to November 19.
November 19: Both parties met in Lilongwe where TNM officials highlighted their commitment to continue supporting the league and indicated their board meeting would be held on December 15 where the commitment would be endorsed.
December 22: SULOM reminded TNM of the feedback, knowing the board meeting had taken place. No response came.
Mittawa said that with time running out and no response from TNM, SULOM began looking for alternative sponsors to avoid panic.
“All these letters TNM was not responding, not even acknowledging receipt. Due to their lack of response, Sulom Exco met and agreed to explore other avenues,” he said.
On December 31, SULOM wrote to TNM officially informing them they were proceeding to engage another potential partner. Again, there was no response.
The league body then sent another letter informing TNM they had secured a new partner and would proceed to unveil them, but first wanted an exit meeting to formally thank the company for 18 years of partnership.
“Two hours later, they responded stating that they cannot allow us to have another partner because they have invested a lot in the League. So, as you may see, we have had a great deal of communication to which they were not responding,” Mittawa said.
Mittawa revealed that financial considerations were not SULOM’s primary concern in seeking a new partnership.
“Importantly, we were not very much concerned with the money but a contract that has no undue restrictions and that allows us to have other sponsors. They told us that it should be them to find other sponsors, not us, to which we were not comfortable,” he explained.
The dispute marks the conclusion of a historic partnership. Mighty Wanderers made history by being the first team to win the TNM Super League in 2006 and became the last side to claim it in 2025, bookending the telecommunications company’s nearly two-decade sponsorship of Malawian football’s premier competition.
Our favourite feature comes again this week as we highlight how Malawian players have performed in their respective teams outside the country.
EUROPE
Shaquille Gwengwe
England based Malawian forward scored a 91st minute equaliser to rescue Poole Town at home in a 2-2 draw against Yate Town in the Southern League Premier South in England on Saturday.
The team found itself trailing in the 90th minute minute but Gwengwe converted from the spot to snatch a point for the team.
Meanwhile, despite taking a huge lead in the weeks ago, Gwengwe trails with a goal in the golden boot race as he has 28 goals in the League while Ryan Searger of Havant & W has 29 to his name. Poole Town remain second with 46 points from 26 games in the League.
Kieran Ngwenya The left back kept a cleansheet after playing full minutes for Dunfermline Athletics as they beat Hibernian 1-0 in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
Following the win, his side reached the fifth round of the cup in Scotland.
Charles Petro The Flames defender played full minutes as a defending midfielder for FC Botosan side that lost 1-0 to Czikszereda M. Ciuc in the Romanian Super Liga on Saturday.
Petro was the highest rated player for the team proving his brilliance in the game. The team sits fourth with 38 points from 22 games, four points behind the leaders.
Nelson Khumbeni The defending midfielder missed his side’s match as Gillingham stage a late comeback to beat Newport 3-2 in the Skybet League Two in England on Saturday.
The team sits 14th on the table with 35 points from 25 matches in the League.
Rose Kabzere Scorchers attacker was the highest rated player in the Montpellier side that played a 1-1 draw against Dijon Women after providing an assist to snatch a point for the team.
Kabzere has now become a regular starter for the team and was handed 91 minutes into the game before being substituted and set up a goal in the 87th minute.
She was the highest rated player with a 7.4 over 10 rating for the team proving her brilliance. She has three goals and two assists in the League.
Her team sit 11th, that’s in the relegation zone, with 8 points from 10 games in the Arkema Premiere Ligue in France.
Tabitha Chawinga The Scorchers captain played for 81 minutes before being replaced as Ol Lyonnes played a goalless draw against FC Paris in the Arkema Premiere Ligue in France on Saturday.
It was the defending Champions’ first draw of the season as they have 37 points from 13 games, 10 points above Nantes Women on Second.
Chawinga has 6 goals and three assists to her name this season.
AFRICA
Patrick Mwaungulu The Flames attacker came off the bench to score the third goal for TP Mazembe in a 3-0 win over AS Saint-Luc in the Ligue 1 in DRC on Sunday.
Mwaungulu was introduced in the 67th minute and made a brilliant finish in the 92nd minute to kill off the game.
This team sits second on the table with 36 points from 15 games in the League, three points behind St Eloi Lupopo on top but has played a game more.
Lanjesi Nkhoma The Flames striker played for 67 minutes before being replaced as TP Mazembe beat Saint Luc 3-0 in the Illicocash Ligue 1 in DRC.
Chifundo Mphasi Flames attacker came off the bench to score a winner for Power Dynamos and inspire the defending champions to a 1-0 win over Mufulira Wanderers in the MTN Super League in Zambia on Sunday.
The attacker was introduced in the 61st minute and found the target 8 minutes later with a powerful long range shot to secure the victory for the team.
The defending champions are top with 35 points from 17 games, four points ahead of Red Arrows which has played two games less.
Francisco Madinga The attacker scored the opening goal for Kansanshi Dynamos to inspire the team to a 3-0 win over FC Leopards in the MTN Super League in Zambia on Saturday.
The win was the second for the team as they moved out of the relegation zone with 14 points from two wins, 8 draws and five defeats on position 14.
Chimwemwe Idana The midfielder was left on the bench as ZANACO lost 2-0 to Napsa Stars on Friday in the MTN Super League in Zambia on Friday.
The Bankers are third in the League with 27 points from 15 games in the League.
Robert Saizi The talented midfielder was not available as ZANACO face Napsa Stars in a game which they lost 2-0 in the MTN Super League on Friday.
Saizi has been sidelined for a while now due to an injury.
Gabriel Banda The left back was left on the bench as Kabwe Warriors lost 1-0 to Zesco United in the MTN Super League in Zambia on Saturday.
The team sits 6th in the League with 23 points from 15 games in the League.
Emmanuel Savieli The forward is yet to return into the team squad for Mufulira Wanderers as he was not part of the team that lost 1-0 to Power Dynamos in the MTN Super League in Zambia on Sunday.
Savieli has just return from loan at Ekhaya FC. Maite are 9th with 22 points from 15 games in the League.
Tendai Banda The attacking midfielder was a starter as ZISD FC played a goalless draw against Trident Queens in the Eden University Womens Super League in Zambia on Sunday.
The team remains in the relegation zone as they are 17th with 8 points from one win, five draws and 13 losses in the League.
Chisomo Banda The Scorchers forward was not even on the bench as Konkola Blades Queens lost 2-0 to Zesco Ndola Queens in the Eden University Womens Super League in Zambia on Saturday.
The team sits 8th in the League with 27 points from 18 games in the debut season.
AWARDS
Yamikani Chester The speedy midfielder has been voted as the second best player in the 2025 Mocambola League in Mozambique on Friday during a prize presentation ceremony.
His teammate, Luis Miquissone has been named as the best player of the League and golden boot winner. He bagged 9 goals and five man of the match awards in the season.
His brilliance helped UD Songo to win the League and the Taqa de Mozambique Cup in the season.
TRANSFERS
Chikumbutso Salima The young attacker has completed his move to a Sudanese side, Al Merrikh SC from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
The club currently plays in the Rwandan League due to war in Sudan and Salima has penned a four-year-deal with the team.
Lawrence Chaziya The defender has said goodbye to Mighty Wanderers as he waited the expiry of his contract to join Zimbabwe’s top league side, Simba Bhora.
Chaziya played his last match for the Nomads as he captained the team to a 2-0 win over Moyale Barracks in the Castel Challenge Cup and will join William Thole at the team.
Richard Mbulu The Flames forward is currently on a hunt for a new team after the expiry of his one year contract at UD Songo in Mozambique.
Mbulu joined the team last year from Costa do Sol but the team has opted against extending his contract and have already announced his departure at the team.
Mbulu scored two goals in the League and helped the team win the Mocambola Ligue plus the Taqa de Mozambique Cup in his one year stay.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have confirmed the departure of prolific forward Chikumbutso Salima to Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh Sporting Club, ending a remarkable journey that saw the 24-year-old rise from the reserves to become one of the most lethal strikers in Malawian football.
Salima’s departure represents a significant loss for Bullets, particularly coming off a stellar 2025 season in which he shared the Golden Boot award with Babatunde Adepoju.
The forward finished the campaign with 15 league goals and 13 assists in 28 appearances, showcasing the kind of form that attracted attention from beyond Malawi’s borders.
His journey with Bullets began in 2022 when he joined the club’s reserves from the Lawrence Waya Academy. That breakthrough season saw him earn the Reserves’ Players’ Player of the Season award while also finishing as top scorer in the FDH Bank Cup, immediately marking him as a player with considerable potential.
The following year, Bullets sent Salima on loan to Bangwe All Stars, where he continued his development. The move proved successful as he collected multiple individual accolades and helped the team secure a top-eight finish in the TNM Super League, demonstrating his ability to perform at the senior level.
His performances earned him promotion to Bullets’ first team in 2024, and over two seasons with the senior side, Salima established himself as one of the most productive forwards in the country. Beyond his league exploits in 2025, he also made four appearances in the Airtel Top 8, finding the net once, and featured twice in the FDH Bank Cup.
The timing of the transfer is particularly notable as Bullets continue to compete on multiple fronts. The club recently advanced to the Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinals, where they are set to face Mighty Tigers. Salima’s departure leaves a void in attack that the technical team will need to address as they pursue silverware across various competitions.
In a brief statement announcing the transfer, Bullets expressed gratitude for Salima’s contributions. “We thank Chikumbutso for his incredible contributions to Bullets and wish him continued success at Al-Merrikh SC,” the club said.
The move to Al-Merrikh represents a significant step in Salima’s career, offering him the opportunity to test himself in Sudanese football and potentially on the continental stage. Al-Merrikh, one of Sudan’s most successful clubs, will be hoping Salima can replicate the form that made him such a feared striker in the Malawian top flight.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets attacker Chikumbutso Salima has completed a move to Sudanese side Al-Merrikh Sporting Club following an impressive 2024-2025 season with the People’s Team.
The 24-year-old forward will sign a four-year contract with the Omdurman-based club after the two sides reached an agreement on transfer fees.
Sources close to the club reveal that Salima was deliberately rested during Bullets’ final two matches against Songwe Border FC and Ndirande All Stars as a precautionary measure to avoid injury while transfer negotiations were underway.
The Club which has relocated to Rwanda due to war in Sudan announced the arrival of the scintillating forward on Sunday.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Malawian international right winger “Chikombotso Salima” on a four-season contract, coming from Big Bolts Malawian club ✍️🔥
“Welcome Salima to the home of the champion in the leader, and the most crowned club in Sudan 🏆 Here glories are made, here history is written
Salima enjoyed a breakout campaign in the TNM Super League, finishing as joint top scorer with 15 goals and contributing 11 assists as Bullets finished second in the standings. He shared the golden boot with Babatunde Adepoju, who has since returned to his parent club Venda Academy in South Africa.
The attacker has been with the elite league for three seasons since his promotion from Bullets Reserve in 2023. He was initially loaned to Bangwe All Stars, where his performances caught attention before he returned to Bullets in 2024 to establish himself as a key player.
The move to Al-Merrikh represents a significant step up for Salima, who had attracted interest from Tanzanian giants Simba SC. However, Bullets rejected Simba’s offer of a trial, with club officials stating their player was “too good for trials.”
Al-Merrikh, one of Sudan’s most decorated clubs, was founded in 1908 as Al-Masalma Sporting Club by students from the Al-Masalmah district of Omdurman at Gordon Memorial College. The club was renamed Al-Merrikh Sporting Club on November 14, 1927.
The Red Devils have an impressive trophy cabinet, having won the Sudanese Premier League 19 times, the Sudan Cup 19 times, and the Khartoum League 17 times. At continental level, they won the CECAFA Club Championship in 1989 and were runners-up in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2007. They have reached the CAF Champions League group stages five times, including a semifinal appearance in 2015.
Salima’s departure continues a recent trend of player sales at Bullets. Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma both joined DR Congo giants TP Mazembe, while Lloyd Aaron secured a move to a club in Qatar. The sales reflect Bullets’ growing reputation as a talent factory in the region, though the club will now face the challenge of rebuilding their attacking options for the upcoming season.
