FAM set to launch ‘historic’ National Women’s League after landing MK280m from NB

Malawi’s sports landscape is abuzz with excitement following the announcement that the country will establish its first-ever National Women’s League.

This landmark development is made possible by a substantial K1.58 billion investment from National Bank of Malawi (NBM) into women’s football, district leagues and TESSAM.

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The sponsorship agreement was officially signed on Wednesday, marking a new era for women’s sports in the nation.

The introduction of the National Women’s League aligns with a broader surge in sports development in Malawi.

Recently, the country also saw the launch of the National Division League, a second-tier football league supported by NBS Bank, and the upcoming National Netball League, sponsored by FDH Bank.

Fleetwood Haiya, President of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), described the moment as “historic” during the signing event with NBM.

He emphasized that the National Women’s League has been a core component of his strategic plan since assuming the presidency. “This is historic and this is also going in line with our strategic plan we have been preaching of women’s and rural football,” Haiya stated.

He highlighted that these areas have historically struggled to attract corporate sponsorship, making NBM’s commitment a significant breakthrough. “This speaks volumes, and we believe that with this sponsorship, our transformative agenda is to be realized.”

Haiya attributed the growing interest from sponsors to the stakeholders’ discipline, accountability, and transparency in managing funds. He assured Malawians that more sponsorships are on the horizon, reiterating FAM’s commitment to core values.

“We are going to continue to live by our values of being accountable, transparent and inclusivity is also part of the game whereby we are saying we should not leave a girl child behind but it has to be balanced,” he added.

Harold Jiya, CEO of National Bank of Malawi, explained the bank’s substantial investment, stating it aims to elevate women’s football to new heights.

“This is in line with our beliefs that women shouldn’t be spared. We want to ensure that they have equipment that is required. These ladies should be models for young ones, and young girls should be busy so that their minds are fired up in physical activities.”

Sports analyst Justin Mitambo lauded both FAM and Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) for these advancements. He noted that women’s football previously relied on weaker regional leagues, which presented a significant challenge for players transitioning to the national team, the Scorchers.

“Having National Division League, National Netball League and National Women’s Football league is a clear indication that we are advancing in Sports as a country,” Mitambo remarked.

Of the K1.58 billion sponsorship, K280 million will be allocated directly to the National Women’s League, while K150 million will be directed towards supporting the management of the Scorchers, Malawi’s national women’s football team.