FAM defends decision to have season extended to rainy season

The Football Association of Malawi has defended its decision to extend the domestic football season into the rainy months, saying the move is essential to align with continental calendars and improve the competitiveness of Malawian clubs in African competitions.

The debate resurfaced on Tuesday, December 9, during the draw for the Castel Challenge Cup round of 32, where it was confirmed that the competition will begin in January with the final scheduled for February. Specific match dates are yet to be confirmed.

Traditionally, the Malawi football season has run from March or April to December, largely to avoid the rainy season when many playing surfaces become waterlogged and unplayable. The decision to extend beyond this window has sparked concern among stakeholders.

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Responding to these worries, FAM Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said football must adapt to weather patterns rather than avoid them.

“We may be experiencing rains now, but they could break in January or February. We never really know,” he said, noting that unpredictability makes rigid seasonal scheduling impractical.

Zakazaka pointed to a TNM Super League match between Mighty Wanderers and Ekhaya FC that was abandoned in the 52nd minute on November 5 due to heavy rainfall—weeks before the traditional end of the season.

“Who would have imagined that a game could be abandoned as early as November 5, considering the rain patterns we have experienced over the years,” he said.

“Continental Alignment the Priority”

Zakazaka emphasized that FAM’s decision was not made for short-term convenience but as part of a broader vision for Malawian football.

“Our motive behind extending the season is to harmonize our football calendar with the rest of the continent and beyond,” he said.

He explained that aligning the local season with international calendars carries significant benefits, particularly for clubs competing in continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

“This year, Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers represented the country in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. The preliminary rounds started in September, yet leagues in many other countries were just beginning. Their players were fresh, while our teams had already played at least 20 matches across the league, the Airtel Top 8 and the FDH Bank Cup. Naturally, our players were already fatigued and disadvantaged,” Zakazaka explained.

The fatigue factor, he argued, puts Malawian clubs at a structural disadvantage before continental campaigns even begin in earnest.

Rather than shortening the season to avoid rain, Zakazaka believes the solution lies in improving infrastructure.

“The extension of the season is a good idea. What we need is a permanent solution by ensuring our pitches are in good condition,” he said.

The decision marks a strategic shift for Malawian football—prioritizing long-term continental competitiveness over short-term weather concerns, even as it acknowledges the urgent need for better playing surfaces. For FAM, the rain is no longer an obstacle to avoid, but a challenge the game must learn to manage.