NBS Bank Plc and the Football Association of Malawi have expressed satisfaction with the inaugural season of the NBS Bank National Division League, citing more successes than challenges.
The sponsors and football governing body made these remarks on Thursday during a media briefing at Mpira Village to review the season ahead of its final day on Sunday.
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FAM’s marketing officer, Mayamiko Kafwamba, said the association is pleased with the competitive nature of the league.
“As an association, we are very happy with how the season has gone. It was full of competition, as shown by how tight the log table was, so we can highlight more successes than challenges,” said Kafwamba.
NBS Bank’s marketing and brands officer, Frank Magombo, said the league will produce teams capable of competing at the highest level of football.
“The league gave teams valuable experience of top-flight football, meaning they will not struggle as teams from the regional league used to. They will be competitive,” said Magombo.
He added that the bank is satisfied with the season’s progress and is interested in extending their partnership beyond the initial three-year contract with FAM.
The league’s closing ceremony will take place at Balaka Stadium, where champions Red Lions will face Baka City and receive the trophy.
Magombo confirmed that performances from Black Missionaries, Bwede, and Phyzix will take place, with free entry for all fans.
He also announced that existing NBS Bank account holders will automatically enter a draw upon entering the stadium, with 50 people winning K10,000 prizes and others receiving T-shirts.
“We urge fans from everywhere to come and paint the stadium red. There will be plenty of entertainment as we give back to our customers because we are the caring bank,” added Magombo.
Champions Red Lions praised the introduction of the NDL, which gave them adequate time to build a team capable of competing in the Super League following their promotion.
Head coach Malumbo Mkandawire said, “NDL is a very good league that we needed for quite some time because its strength is equivalent to the Super League, so we go there with full confidence that we will succeed.”
Meanwhile, Mitundu Baptist, who progressed from Division One through the Premier Division and NDL to earn Super League promotion, believe the league has thoroughly prepared them for the elite level.
Head coach Audlow Makonyola said, “We assembled a good squad and, given the intensity of the league we were in, we have valuable lessons for the Super League. Trust me, we will do well.”
FOMO FC will play their second season in the league after avoiding relegation, with head coach Bishop Ntchindi Mhango viewing the first year as a learning experience.
“We had ups and downs, but towards the end we showed maturity and rose to fourth place. We have learned a lot in the first season, and next season we will work harder to win the league,” he said.
Red Lions will receive K15 million for finishing first, while the second and third-placed teams—Baka City and Mitundu Baptist—will take home K10 million and K5 million respectively.
One point separates Baka City and Mitundu Baptist, leaving second place open ahead of their matches against Red Lions and Mchinji Villa respectively.
The final day of the league will confirm which team survives among Ntaja United, Chintheche United, and Mchinji Villa FC, while two will join Chilumba Barracks and Jenda United in relegation.
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