Category: Football

Peter Mponda has explained the decision behind changing Yankho Singo’s position during FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ pre-season friendly against Kamuzu Barracks.

The People’s team faced Soldiers from Malawi Defence Force headquarters at the Champion Stadium in Mponera, Dowa on Sunday.

Singo was named in the starting line-up but played in the centre of defence as opposed to the central midfield.

Kenyan centre-half Clyde Senaji was his partner at the heart of defence, with Andrew Jovinala on the right and Henry Chiwaya on the left.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets went on to lose the match 2-1 as Mike Mkwate’s deflected strike was not enough to prevent the defeat from Kamuzu Barracks who relied on John Mchema’s first half brace.

But, Mponda was especially thrilled with Singo’s impact throughout the game.

Discussing the Flames international role and position change after the match, he said: “”Everyone knows that Yankho Singo is a number 6 or number 8, that’s why iam saying I don’t have defence, iam trying to build a defence”

“Today we thought it wise that we should play him as a centre back, he really played very well, he commanded the defence and Iam very happy with his performance today” he added.

Singo partnered Senaji for just opening 14 minutes, before Yamikani Mologeni was introduced while Kamuzu Barracks were already 2-0 up.

The change saw Jovinala switch from the right back to the centreback and the duo combined well to prevent further goals.

Whether Yankho Singo’s switch to the centreback position is permanent, it will be seen when season begins.

Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira believes his team will defend the 2025 TNM Super League title.

Mgangira, who rose into the head coach role in the current preseason following the departure of Peter Mponda, made the remarks on Saturday afternoon after his team played a goalless draw against Dedza Dynamos.

Asked whether he thinks his team can defend the title, Mgangira said “Of course all the players that were with us last season, I would say 95 percent they are here so why not?”

The game started lowly with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. The Bankers were first to create a meaningful chance on 20th minute when Nickson Mwase headed wide a good delivery from Macdonald Lameck’s free kick.

The Bankers had another opportunity on 31st minute when a powerful shot from new catch Precious Sambani hit the side netting.

The first shot on target came after 37 minutes when Binwell Katinji and Sambani exchanged passes before the former Bullets leftback whipped a powerful shot from the edge of the box, forcing Dedza Dynamos goalie Shangarai Thole to make a decent save.

The visitors came close to take the lead on 42nd minute when George Chikooka fumbled a 40-metres drive from Gift Magola and that was the last chance in the opening half of the game.

After the recess, both side changed almost entire of their teams, but the performances remained undesirable.

Chikooka was called into action again on 52nd minute, denying Magola a goal. Two minutes later Festus Duwe released Gift Chunga with a defense splitting pass but the winger failed to hit the target.

The best chance for the hosts came on 55th minute when the referee awarded Silver Strikers a penalty following Lughano Kaira’s foul on Gift Chunga but Binwell Katinji’s penalty was saved by Thole.

Moments later, the Bankers had another chance as Chunga’s shot in the box was again saved by the goalkeeper.

From there, chances became scarce until full time.

“It was a good game, I think Dedza Dynamos came with a purpose but we are happy that we are playing our usual game, of course we need to work more in our attack and then the combinations because some of the players haven’t been together due to national team engagements” said Mgangira.

On newly signed players, he said “They did very well, we see fans chanting his name despite playing for just 25 minutes, I think the boys are ready and they are here to compete”

To his part, Dedza Dynamos coach Andrew Bunya expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team.

“It was a very good game, the intensity was there, it was a passing game, both teams played beautiful football, chances were there but overall iam impressed”

Meanwhile, Bunya admitted that the main target for his team is to compete for titles this season.

Silver Strikers have completed their fifth signing of the current transfer window with the arrival of another striker, Emmanuel Allan.

The Bankers announced the acquisition of Allan from Moyale Barracks on a free transfer.

The Bankers have confirmed the 2024 Moyale Barracks top goal scorer has penned three year deal with the Area 47 outfit.

The short statement posted on Silver Strikers offical page, reads “On Friday, striker Emmanuel Allan signed a three year contract with Silver Strikers FC”.

Allan is the fifth arrival in the current transfer window after another striker Sam Adeyemi, midfielders Felix Demakude and Festus Duwe as well as defender Precious Sambani.

Meanwhile the Peter Mgangira’s side has already released Mark Fodya, Paul Kansungwi and Friday Osiege.

The Bankers vowed to strengthen the squad as they eye CAF Champions League participation.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach Peter Mponda heaped praise on reserve side centre back Edward Thengo and goalkeeper Austin Chirambo.

In his press conference ahead of Bullets’ preseason friendly against Kamuzu Barracks at Champion Stadium in Mponera Dowa, Mponda, declared that the duo have promising future at the club.

When commenting about Thengo, he said “When I saw him, I was surprised by the way he was playing. Hd was very composed on the ball, and his aerial presence and physical side of the game were very top-notch”

He added “Of course, he has some area to improve, but he is a very good player, and let’s give him six weeks, he will be competing for a place in the team”

On goalkeeper, Austin Chirambo who completed a permanent move to Bullets in February after spending two seasons at the reserve side, on loan from Manchester Motor Spares, Mponda commended his contribution at training so far.

“He is giving competition to the senior goalkeepers. He has got everything we need in a goalkeeper – the height, even ball distribution; he us very comfortable with the way we want to play”

Following the departure of 11 players, Mponda admitted that the People’s team is actively looking for replacements.

“I would say we are almost there as we are still looking for some area, we need to beef up, but so far so good”

“In Mapemba’s absence, we are trying to find someone to give him competition when he comes back from injury”

Apart from the duo, leftback Kondwani Tebulo is another leftback currently training with the senior team.

The Super League of Malawi (SULOM) has officially announced the kickoff date for the highly anticipated 2025 TNM Super League season.

The season will commence on April 5th, 2025, with the defending Champions, Silver Strikers take on FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Bingu National Stadium.

This is going to the their third meeting in 10 years on the opening day of the season. Bullets beat Silver Strikers in 2015 2-1 before playing a 1-all draw in 2023 season opener.

In a letter addressed to club officials, SULOM stated, “The Super League of Malawi is pleased to announce the kick-off date of the 2025 season which will commence as usual with the preliminary competition of the Charity Shield and simultaneous kick-off of the TNM Super League on 5th April 2025 at Bingu Stadium with Silver Strikers vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets game.”

As teams gear up for the season, SULOM has outlined several requirements that clubs must meet before the first matchday. Among them, clubs mustProvide duly approved home, away, and alternative team colours their home and alternative match venues and Provide contact details (phone numbers, email addresses) for their Chairperson, General Secretaries/CEO, Treasurer, and Team Managers.”

Furthermore, the league has set March 28th, 2025, as the deadline for clubs to finalize player registrations and transfers. The statement emphasizes, “Clubs are further advised to ensure that all players are registered, transfers are completed and settle their registration fees by 28 March 2025.”

SULOM’s General Secretary, Williams Banda, signed off on the letter, urging clubs to adhere to the outlined requirements to ensure a smooth start to the season. “In anticipation of your prompt due process in preparation for the 2025 season.”

Meanwhile, a dispute has emerged between TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers FC and the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) over the venue for their season-opening clash.

Silver Strikers claim they have not been formally informed about the decision to use Bingu National Stadium (BNS) instead of their home ground, Silver Stadium. The club’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Chimimba, expressed frustration over the issue, questioning why officials opted for BNS.

“We have not been communicated with about using Bingu National Stadium. As you know, we already have our home ground, Silver Stadium, but we do not understand why officials choose Bingu over Silver Stadium,” Chimimba said.

However, SULOM Vice-General Secretary Donnex Chilonga insists that all stakeholders had already agreed to stage a high-profile fixture on the league’s opening day, necessitating a larger venue.

“We agreed that we must have a big match on day one, and for this matter, we chose Bingu [National Stadium] because it is the biggest match,” Chilonga explained.

Silver Strikers Board member Peter Pindani has taken on Flames coach Kalisto Pasuwa for failing to call up the trio of Chimwemwe Idana, Uchizi Vunga and Binwell Katinji from his team.

The Flames are in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying action against Namibia on Thursday (20th March) at Bingu National Stadium. They then travel to face Tunisia four days later.
Pasuwa’s squad selection has drawn heavy criticism from Pindani, who feels the trio of Idana, Katinji and Vunga is better than those selected in their positions.

“Binwell Katinji scored in two consecutive games for Flames and few days later he has been dropped from the Flames squad. This is even after FAM had informed the Club that Katinji has been called for the qualifiers a day ago. Then look at that midfield and you will notice those inexperienced midfielders from that team, are they better off than Katinji? Where is the MERIT??????” he posted on his Facebook wall.

Pindani went on to reply on Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) post announcing the squad; “Idana? Vunga? The best midfield in the league can not be called into the senior national team yet calling amateur pa mid apo poti ndi a team iyoyo. Where is the merit????”

The following is the full squad:

Goalkeepers

William Thole (Simba Bhora Fc), George Chikooka (Silver Strikers), Richard Chimbamba (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets).

Defenders
McDonald Lameck (Silver Strikers), Alick Lungu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Charles Petro (Botosani), Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Gomegzani Chirwa (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Nickson Nyasulu (Fc Platinum), Maxwell Paipi (Silver Strikers), Dennis Chembezi (Al Qasim Sc), Precious Sambani (Silver Strikers).

Midfielders
Yankho Singo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), John Banda (unattached), Patrick Mwaungulu (Don Bosco), Lloyd Aaron (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Lanjesi Nkhoma (Don Bosco), Lloyd Njaliwa (Costa Do Sol), Wisdom Mpinganjira (Mighty Wanderers), Zebron Kalima (Silver Strikers), Gaddie Chirwa (Mighty Wanderers), Chawanagwa Gumbo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Chikumbutso Salima (FCB Nyasa big Bullets), Wongani Lungu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets).

Strikers
Frank G Mhango (Marumo Gallants), Richard Mbulu (Ud Songo), Chawanangwa Kaonga (Zanaco), Ephraim Kondowe (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets).
SIDEBAR

Midfielder Chimwemwe Idana and right back Stanley Sanudi have been left out of the Malawi National Football team (Flames) squad for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Tunisia.

Flames will host Namibia on 20th March before travelling to Tunisia four days later.

The duo last featured for the Flames in October, 2024 in a 4-0 away defeat to Senegal in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they are rumoured of breaching team discipline.

In their last five games in Flames jersey, the team endured poor run of form, recorded one win and three losses.

Meanwhile, since their omission, the team has greatly improved, with a remarkable three wins and one defeat.

But in his reaction, soccer analyst Kim Kamau believes the duo remains key members and appealed FAM to settle down their issues with the players.

“We still need Sanudi for squad depth and for Idana, we missed his services in our last five matches despite recording wins” said Kamau.

“I’m urging FAM to sort out it’s issues with the players. We heard they went to Senegal dressing room to ask for jerseys, it’s a simple issue, let them discuss, we want to see them back in the squad, maybe the only issue for sidelines must be performance based” he added.

Apart from the duo, Pasuwa has also left out goalkeeper Brighton Munthali in his squad.

In another surprise omission, striker Binwell Katinji finds himself left out of the squad.

The Silver Strikers forward hit two goals in 171 minutes of action against Comoros, netting in both legs to help Flames sail through to the next round of African Nations Championship (CHAN) playoffs.

Meanwhile, midfielders Chawanangwa Gumbo, Wongani Lungu and Zebron Kalima have made a cut in the provisional squad. Striker Ephraim Kondowe has also been included.

The following is the full squad:

Goalkeepers

William Thole (Simba Bhora Fc), George Chikooka (Silver Strikers), Richard Chimbamba (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets).

Defenders

McDonald Lameck (Silver Strikers), Alick Lungu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Charles Petro (Botosani), Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Gomegzani Chirwa (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Nickson Nyasulu (Fc Platinum), Maxwell Paipi (Silver Strikers), Dennis Chembezi (Al Qasim Sc), Precious Sambani (Silver Strikers).

Midfielders

Yankho Singo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), John Banda (unattached), Patrick Mwaungulu (Don Bosco), Lloyd Aaron (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Lanjesi Nkhoma (Don Bosco), Lloyd Njaliwa (Costa Do Sol), Wisdom Mpinganjira (Mighty Wanderers), Zebron Kalima (Silver Strikers), Gaddie Chirwa (Mighty Wanderers), Chawanagwa Gumbo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Chikumbutso Salima (FCB Nyasa big Bullets), Wongani Lungu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets).

Strikers

Frank G Mhango (Marumo Gallants), Richard Mbulu (Ud Songo), Chawanangwa Kaonga (Zanaco), Ephraim Kondowe (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets).

The Flames are expected to regroup in Lilongwe on Thursday 13th march 2025.

First Capital Bank (FCB), the official sponsors of FAM Katswiri Under 20 League, has fulfilled it’s promise of awarding football jerseys to all 2024 district champions.

For the first time, the Bank has distributed brand new football jerseys to 14 district champions, on top of prize money.

National Youth Football Association (NYFA) General Secretary Rabson Woodwell Banda hailed the sponsors for fulfilling it’s promise.

“We are happy that FCB has fulfilled what we agreed at the beginning of 2024 season” said Banda.

Before last season, stakeholders implemented new strategy of running the competition as district select teams are now supposed to compete at the regional level unlike the past where district champions were going through.

Following the agreement, the NYFA requested the Bank to consider awarding jerseys to district champions, as a token of appreciation, which has been accomplished.

Owner of Mangochi United Reserve, Hassan Shaviel appreciated FCB for the reward, which he described as a motivation to him as a sponsor as well as player.

“Iam really happy and grateful that First Capital Bank has given us the quality jersey which I couldn’t afford on my own”

“This has motivated me to continue sponsoring youth football and my players are very excited after seeing this jersey, comprising of shirts, shorts as well as socks and it has attracted many players who have already shown interest to join us” said Shaviel.

To his part, Austin Bengo representing Dedza champions, Kabango Young Pirates, thanked the sponsors for it’s unwavering support towards the development of football in Malawi.

Apart from Mangochi and Dedza champions, the Bank delivered jersey to teams from Mulanje, Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Salima, Mchinji, Mzuzu, Mzimba, Karonga and Rumphi.

The Malawi National Football team coach Kalisto Pasuwa says he anticipate a tough encounter in the next round of preliminary round after easing past Comoros.

Wongani Lungu and Binwell Katinji scored two second half goals to beat Comoros 2-0, helping Flames reach the second round of African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying round with a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Next up for Malawi in the competition is either South Africa or Egypt whose first leg match ended goalless.

Speaking after the match, Pasuwa acknowledged that his team needs to be at their best to go past the next opponent.

“Of course we expect to meet tougher opponents, we need also to be tougher and it means also need to change how we prepare ourselves”

Pasuwa promised before the match to remain attacking minded and cautious defensively. He showed this by playing three midfielders behind the trio of Katinji, Gaddie Chirwa and Wisdom Mpinganjira.

The Zimbabwean deployed Wongani Lungu into the number 10 role, with Yankho Singo and Lloyd Aaron Infront of defence as he looked to protect the 0-2 first-leg lead.

However Pasuwa’s gameplan stunted as the first half ended with just a single shot on target.

“The first 45 minutes we were a little bit jittery but the good thing is the boys managed to keep the clean sheet in the first 45 minutes” Pasuwa told reporters during post-match conference.

The game produced first shot on target on 23rd minute when Comoros goalie Ahamed Fadjidou denied Wongani Lungu scoring from 20 metres range, as he dived to his right hand side to punch the ball out for a corner.

Albeit of few chances from either side and slight Flames’ dominance in possession and chances, but the game remained sloppy until the break.

The Flames had a better start of the second half, as Lloyd Aaron, Wongani Lungu, Gaddie Chirwa started showing their decisive quality to push for the lead.

Youngster Wongani Lungu broke the deadlock on 50th minute with a close range finish after combining with Aaron and Chirwa as the Comoros defence was sliced open.

The Flames extended the lead nine minutes later, as striker Binwell Katinji connected a Macdonald Lameck’s pass into the top corner of the net to seal the victory for the hosts.

Moments later, Comoros could have pulled one back when Alick Lungu gave away possession to Ali Soufiane Immadoudine who run into the box, but Singo intercepted to concede corner before he pulled a trigger.

Katinji nearly bagged a brace after 67 minutes, when received a beautiful pass from Wisdom Mpinganjira inside the box, but the Silver Strikers man sent a weak shot forcing Fadjidou into a serve.

The visitors had their chances towards the end, but Malawi goalkeeper, George Chikooka denied Ali Soufiane Obeidullah Ben and Abdallah Said Sadad with saves.

Despite the dying minutes threats, Flames defence marshalled by Maxwell Paipi, Nickson Mwase, Alick Lungu and Macdonald steeled themselves and held on to progress with a clean sheet.

Malawi National Team head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has dismissed any suggestions that his team will sit back and defend their 2-0 advantage when they face Comoros in the second leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the comfortable lead from the first leg, Pasuwa insists the Flames will maintain an offensive approach, stressing that they cannot afford to become complacent.

“No! We are not [going to defend],” says Kalisto Pasuwa. “Attacking is another way of defending. We are going to play the same way we did in the first leg.

“Like the first leg that we played, we need to be compact, we need to defend in numbers, be positive, in terms of going forward. I mean, we are not going to be seating back, we are going to attack, as you know that attacking in another way of defending, definitely, we will attack also.”

Pasuwa also acknowledged that his side had fitness concerns in the first leg, particularly after the 55th minute. He revealed that the technical team has been working on improving the players’ endurance to ensure they can maintain intensity throughout the match.

“We noticed some fitness issues in the first game, especially in the second half, so we’ve been addressing that,” he explained. “We haven’t pushed the players too hard, but we’ve made sure they are in better shape to sustain their energy levels until the final whistle.”

The coach further highlighted ball control as another area they have been working on, hoping for a more composed and disciplined performance on Saturday.

The Flames will be without defender Washali Jaziya and left-back Timothy Silwimba, who have both been ruled out due to injuries. However, forward Chikumbutso Salima, who was a minor doubt, has recovered and is in contention for selection.

“From the 25 players we had in camp, only two are out—Silwimba and Jaziya. The rest are fit and ready, including Salima,” Pasuwa confirmed.

Paipi: ‘We need to finish the job’

Team captain Maxwell Paipi echoed his coach’s sentiments, warning that Comoros will come out fighting with nothing to lose.

However, he is confident that the Flames can finish the job and advance to the next round.

“It’s an opportunity for us to make history,” says Maxwell Paipi ahead of the game against Comoros. “As players, we know that we won the first game, but the game has gone, we are focussing on the game which is ahead of us.

“Comoros will definitely come hard on us to score goals because they have nothing to lose.

“As a team, led by our coaches, we are ready for the challenge. In football, everything can happen, if we managed to score two goals [in the first leg], they can also score three goals [in the second leg]. We are doing everything possible to win again on Saturday, the morale is high among the players.

“We will need Malawians, we are always thankful for their support, but we will need them again tomorrow.

“We know where we want to be in this competition, and we need the win. Every player knows our history in this competition, it is the opportunity for us players to make history, we want to know where we are going.”

With goals from Binwell Katinji and Zebron Kalima securing Malawi’s win in the first leg, the Flames will be looking to build on that momentum and seal their qualification in front of their home crowd.