Soccer Saints defeated Thete United 3-1 on Sunday to claim the inaugural National Bank of Malawi Championship in Dedza District, with Henrick Zygambo’s brace helping restore glory to the struggling club.
Richard Gasten, younger brother of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets striker Maxwell Phodo Gasten, scored the other goal for Soccer Saints, while Taufick Mussa netted the consolation for Thete United.
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The match proved evenly contested, with Dedza-West side Thete United having two goals disallowed for offside in each half. Despite showing character and courage, they ultimately fell short against the Dedza Boma outfit.
For a team whose performances have declined in recent years, the victory provided the perfect new year’s gift for Soccer Saints’ supporters.
Soccer Saints impressed throughout the competition, thrashing Nasuluma FC 5-0 in the semi-finals. Thete United reached the final after defeating Dip United 3-1 on post-match penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Speaking after the match, winning coach Raul Ibrahim Yoyola said the competition had given his team a chance to prove they can still compete at the highest level.
“We are excited with this victory. It will motivate us in upcoming competitions,” Yoyola said.
His counterpart, Samuel Mwitha, described the tournament as challenging from the play-offs onwards.
“We’ve had a tough ride, but the championship has helped us build a better team for the future,” Mwitha said.
Dedza District Football Association (DDFA) chairperson Chiku Watson Babu praised the competition for opening doors to young players from rural areas.
“We commend National Bank of Malawi for bringing this competition to all districts. It has helped unearth hidden talent,” Babu said.
Representing the Central Region Football Association (CRFA), Esther Abiti Chirwa expressed satisfaction with the competition across all districts in the region.
National Bank’s Business Development Manager for SMA Banking in the Central Region, Chimwemwe Chijere, pledged continued support for grassroots football development.
“We targeted U-23 players to provide a platform for young players to develop through this championship,” Chijere said.
He commended the district teams for showcasing genuine talent, as witnessed in Sunday’s final at Dedza Stadium.
As champions, Soccer Saints pocketed K2 million in cash plus two match balls, a trophy and medals. Runners-up Thete United received K1 million and one match ball.
Dip United finished third after beating Nasuluma FC and collected K500,000.
Henrick Zygambo of Soccer Saints was named top scorer and received K150,000, while Yunusu Piyo was crowned player of the tournament, earning K200,000.
The competition also features regional teams from the Division One League alongside district sides.
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