Northern Region women’s football teams relegated from inaugural NBM Women’s Premiership

All three Northern Region teams have been relegated from the National Bank Women’s Premiership after failing to match the pace of their Central and Southern Region counterparts in the league’s inaugural season.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM), in partnership with National Bank of Malawi plc, launched the premiership in July 2024 at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre. During the launch, the Bank’s Chief Finance Officer Daniel Jere said the league aims to empower women through football.

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FAM President Fleetwood Haiya commended the Bank for the sponsorship, noting it aligns with the association’s strategic plan to transform the game. With the Scorchers qualifying for their first-ever Women’s African Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, national team captain Tabitha Chawinga and head coach Lovemore Fazili credited the NBM Women’s Premiership for providing players with a crucial development platform.

However, six months after kickoff, the Northern Region’s representation in the top flight has come to an end.

After 14 games each, MK Academy, Moyale Barracks Sisters, and Topik Academy will all be relegated to the Regional Women’s Football League next season. MK Academy and Moyale Sisters managed just one win each in 14 matches, with each team’s sole victory coming against the other. Bottom-placed Topik Academy recorded three draws and 11 defeats.

The three teams conceded a combined 116 goals while scoring only 21.

Topik Academy coach Levi Mhone said his team is still in the learning process, which explains their struggle to compete. Omar Ganizani Vuwa of Moyale Barracks blamed a lack of confidence among players for their poor performance, while MK Academy’s Khumbo Sibale said his team prioritized player development over results, hoping to help players secure opportunities with other teams.

Central Region teams Silver Strikers Ladies and Ascent Soccer Academy are battling for the championship, with Silver Strikers holding a commanding 10-point lead. The Central Bankers have amassed 39 points from 13 wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring 41 goals while conceding just seven. Ascent sits second with 29 points from nine wins, two draws, and three losses, with 27 goals scored and 10 conceded.

Southern Region teams are competing for the remaining top positions. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women lead the region in third place overall with 25 points from 14 games, 14 points behind Silver Strikers. Pre-tournament favorites Kukoma Ntopwa Women are sixth with 21 points from 13 games, while Mighty Wanderers Queens are seventh with 20 points from 14 matches.

The league is expected to conclude in early 2026. The champions will receive K10 million, with the runners-up taking home K5 million and third place earning K3 million. Each participating team received K13 million in subvention, two full sets of uniforms, and five footballs.

The championship winners will represent Malawi in the CAF Women’s Champions League, while regional champions will earn promotion to next season’s National Bank Women’s Premiership.