Category: Football

The Central Region Football Association ( CRFA) has made a landmark move to revolutionize grassroots football after securing a transformative K15 million sponsorship package for the Divison 1 League, from renowned philanthropist Apostle Vitumbiko Mkandawire.

The one year deal – subject to renewal- comes barely a day after the body announced the League will be launched on Sunday, June 22 , 2025 at Chimbiya Community ground in Dedza district.

Speaking on the sidelines of press conference at Bingu National stadium in Lilongwe on Friday, when the parties officially sealed the deal, Mkandawire said his support aligns closely with his pastoral responsibilities and mission.

He has since urged the teams to facilitate the seamless conduct of the league, emphasizing that such efforts would positively reflect on the organization and contribute to a favorable perception among the general public.

He said; “I thought of supporting football because it is one way that I use as I spread the Gospel to the nations.”

One of the CRFA marketing committee members, Bishop MacLean Chimwemwe said the sponsorship package represents a crucial milestone in the organization’s efforts to support and develop grassroots football.

He said that this initiative would serve as a significant catalyst for fostering local talent and enhancing the development of the sport at the community level.

“We are thankful to Apostle Mkandawire for providing us with this sponsorship package that we have received today. This is good news and very interesting one to us. It marks a significant step in supporting grassroots football in the region,” He Chimwemwe.

Under the package, the League’s top performers will pocket K3 Million while runners up will bag K 1.8 Million.

Third and Fourth places will receive K1.2 million and K 1 million, respectively.

This one-year deal also injects fresh life into the Division One League, promising lucrative rewards for top goal scorers and journalists.According to a communique we have seen, District teams of Chimbiya Stars and Lobi Young Soccer will battle it out during the opening match of this year’s competition.

For months, sports enthusiast Henry Malunga has eagerly awaited the day he would sit in the VIP stand of the majestic Bingu National Stadium (BNS) to witness FCB Nyasa Big Bullets clash with Karonga United in the Airtel Top 8 semi-finals. That long-anticipated dream is finally coming true this Saturday evening.

“Finally, Airtel Top 8 is here! I’ll get to watch the Bullets-Karonga match that I’ve long waited for,” exclaimed a visibly joyous Malunga. He likened the tournament’s atmosphere to the “flair and thrill of international football,” specifically mentioning the UEFA Champions League experience.

Both teams are expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming matches. Oscar Kaunda, head coach of Karonga United, stated on Tuesday that his team is “ready to portray foot magic on the pitch.” He acknowledged the challenge, predicting a “sweaty” game, and emphasized their readiness “to do whatever it takes and get into the other level.”

Meanwhile, Bullets head coach Peter Mponda previously told The Atlas Malawi that his squad aims to defend their title. “We have the energy and we are hopeful that we are going to do everything to return the title,” Mponda affirmed.

Head-to-Head
This weekend marks the twelfth meeting between Bullets and the northern region side, but only their second encounter in a cup match. Of their eleven previous matchups, Bullets have won 7 games, while Karonga United has secured 2 victories, with 2 draws.

Their last cup meeting was in 2017, when Bullets eliminated Karonga United 4-2 in the FISD Cup at Chilomoni Stadium in Blantyre, coming from behind twice to seal the win.

According to their head-to-head record, Bullets have scored 20 goals against Karonga’s 7, representing an 80% score rate for Bullets compared to 20% for Karonga.

In the other semi-final, both Bankers and Civil Servants are determined to book their spot in the finals. Peter Mgangira, head coach for the Bankers, stated, “As the Bankers, we have turned our focus into winning this match and book a place in the finals.”

Civil Servants’ head coach, Abbas Makawa, recognized the need for extra effort. “Semi-final games are not simple games. One has to dig deeper to produce a win,” said a high-spirited Makawa.

Fans can expect another exciting Lilongwe derby, reminiscent of their 2021 semi-final clash where Bankers defeated Civil 2-0, with goals from Stain Davie and Zebron Kalima. Since 2020, these teams have played 4 games, with Bankers winning twice, drawing once, and Civil Servants claiming a single win. Recently, Bankers decisively beat Civil 2-0 at their home ground in the country’s elite league.

The Road to the Semis
Sports Analyst Hamdan Nyirongo anticipates “a sweaty encounter,” stating that advancing to the final will not be easy for either team. “Both teams will not bow down easily, and the team which will win these matches needs to be stronger than ever,” he commented.

Bullets secured their semi-final spot by edging out tournament rookies Creck Sporting 1-0. Karonga United stunned Mighty Wanderers with a 2-1 aggregate victory in April. Last month, Bankers humbled Moyale Barracks, while their rivals, Civil United, defeated Mzuzu City Hammers to reach the semi-finals.

The National Bank of Malawi ( NBM ) has made committed an unprecedented annual sponsorship package worthy K1.5 billion towards the development of sports across the nation in quest to to uplift women’s football, nurturing talent through college sporting activities and fostering national pride in form of transforming grassroots football.

Inside the package, the National Women’s League and the Scorchers have been allocated K430 million, Mo626 college basketball, football and netball will receive K450 while Division One League has been handed K500 million.

A substantial amount of 138 million has been channelled to branding and activation.

Speaking a while ago during the unveiling ceremony at NBM Towers in Blantyre, the banks chief executive officer Harold Jiya said the initiative will see the bank excavating talent and fostering national pride through the support towards the Malawi National Women’s Football team and providing a stepping stone for aspiring footballers to reach professional heights.

He said; “This sponsorship is more than a financial investment. It is a strategic alignment with our vision to be a bank for all Malawians, breaking the perception that we cater only for the elite.

This event goes beyond the announcement of this huge sponsorship. It reflects our steadfast commitment to the people of Malawi, to inclusivity and to the transformative power of sports, which transcend boundaries such as age, income, or region in touching the lives of millions of Malawians.”

On his part Football association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya said the sponsorship package has come at an ideal time when the association is lacking financial support to uplift all corners of sporting activities in the country.

“We have been knocking on your doors, asking various individuals and companies to help us. There was a time when we nearly lost hope but not any more. We had a dream of transforming the game through the introduction of various sporting activities as indicated in the package. And this help is making our dreams to come true,” He said.

Previously, NBM hadd sponsored various sporting activities including the recent 2024 K12 million Tertiary Education Students Sports Association of Malawi (TESSAM) Festival.

Malawi’s national football team, the flames, extended their streak of disappointment at the Cosafa Cup yesterday, loosing 1-0 to defending champions Angola in a match marred by missed opportunities at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein in South Africa.

This was a crucial must-win match for the Flames, coming on the heels of their defeat to Lesotho in their opening game and a goalless draw against Namibia in their second encounter.

The Palancas Negras lone goal was enough to send a wave of disappointment through hundreds of supporters who packed the stadium and thousands more who streamed the match from home, eagerly watching Kalisto Pasuwa’s team turn the tide in a dramatic comeback.

Despite dominating possession and mounting relentless attacks through Gaddie Chirwaand Blessings Singini, the formally branded Barcelona failed to find the net , with goalkeepr Adilson da Cruz Cipriano making crucial saves to keep Angola’s lead intact.

Malawi started with high intensity in the match’s early minutes and their hunger for goal grew as the clock was ticking.

The first 20 minutes saw only one scary shot from both sides when the Flames’ Gaddie Chirwa, unleashed a shot from outside the box, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task.

The flames opened fire again in the 40th minute through Singing who sent a volley from the edge of the 18 yard box but Angola’s Cipriano pulled of a superb save to keep denie flames a lead.

The goal came shortly after halftime, when a deflected shot from substitute Ambrosin Salvador resulted into a corner kick.

A corner kick delivery found Randy Nteka, who bundled the ball home in the 48th minute, giving Angola the lead.

Malawi’s misfortunes continued when Blessings Singini was forced off due to injury after a collision, ans was replaced by Oscar Petro.

This forced flames technical panel to effect instant changes as the flames rallying for a level.

Oscar Petro was slotted in for Blessings Singini, who was stretched off while Gaddie Chirwa was taken out for Olson Kanjira and Zelliat Nkhoma was introduced in replacement of Chawanangwa Gumbo.

Additionally, Pasuwa also roped on Wongani Lunga in place of Promise Kamwendo.

The move saw an attempted rally, with narrowly missed shots, sealing their fate.

In a post match interview flames assistant Coach ,Peter Mponda said the loss was devastating.

“It is more painful, having lost through one set piece , which we failed to defend,” said Mponda.

Angola’s Men’s Senior National Football Team coach, Pedro Goncalves, said the dream of the Palancas Negras players is to return the title.

The Portuguese mentor said; “At the end of the day, we conquered our goal. Really, it was a tough experience. The pitch created a lot of situations in the match. The Malawi team impressed because they were prepared for that kind of football. [However], we needed that kind of experience because in Africa, that is the kind of football you need to practice for.”

Angola has finished at the summit of group B after taking their tally to seven points while condemning the Flames to the exit door. The flames have not even scored a single goal in three games of the tournament.

Namibia also beat Lesotho, but both teams also exited the tournament on Tuesday.

Angola have joined South Africa in the semifinals, with Bafana Bafana having already secured their knockout spot.

Malawi’s quest for glory in the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup got off to a frustrating start as it fell 1-0 to Lesotho in a tightly contested battle marred by drama and controversy.

The painful  moment arrived in the 83rd minute when Makara Ntaitsane’s goal, initially disallowed for offside, was awarded after a VAR review.

Entirely, the flames dominated in possession and pressed high early on, but struggled with finishing, unable to convert their dominance into goals, while Lesotho capitalized on a late set-piece to secure the win.

In the 82nd Minute Malawi’s Chikumbutso Salima erroneously brought down Lesotho’s midfielder Teboho Letsema, a development that called for a free- kick.

From the resulting freekick , Leluma Phosholi nailed a knife alike cross that was was headed down to Ntaitsane, who calmly chipped the ball over Malawi goalkeeper George Chikooka to the top right corner.

Instantly, the goal was ruled out for am offside before a three minute Video Assistant Referee ( VAR ) review. The review saw the decision  being overturned and the goal stood, by giving Lesotho a lead.

As the haunt for an equaliser became hot, Flames’ made a quick substitution; bringing in Gaddie Chirwa for Timothy Silwimba and Blessing Singini replaced Wongani Lungu.

This never changed the game as  ball possession landlords failed to create meaningful chances and make the reliable contacts to the ball.

Initially, at the start of the second half, Malawi tried to strengthen attack by introducing promise Kamwendo and Andrew Jovinala in place of Maxwell papipi and Zeliati Nkhoma.

They both lacked clinical finishing. Lesotho also started on a lower note in the first half, but grew wings in the second half  with dangerous counter – attacks.

Notably, Lesotho was more physical than the flames were, and the game was characterized by fouls from both sides.

Meanwhile, Lesotho’s Thabo Makhele was named player-of-the match.

In a post match interview, Flames assistant coach Peter Mponda acknowledged that the team missed numerous opportunities and had alot defensive lapses.

He said; ” We did not have numbers to convert our positioning to chances. Unfortunately, we lost it at the very end because we lost possession. We could have defended better. It is painful but we have to go back and see how we are going to dug ourself out of this trench.”

On the other hand Lesotho’s Coach, Leslie Ntosi said the game was not easy for his charges as Malawi handed him unpredictable tactic.

“It was a physical game but we were able to absorb the pressure in the first- half and going into the second half we made some changes to bring in some creativity within the attacking phases and we ended up getting a goal put of that,” He said.

With the result , Malawi still has a chance to qualify into the next round but it needs to rely on other team’s assistance to proceed into the other stages.

The opening matches across the tournament have already produced surprises, with hosts South Africa defeated by Mozambique and defending champions Angola drawing with Namibia, setting the stage for an exciting group phase in this fiercely competitive regional showpiece.

This was the first game in group B which Malawi is listed in.

Zambia , listed in group D are set to go for their  maiden match against Comoros on Friday while group C shall have it’s games on Saturday when Tanzania locks horns against Madagascar.

 

By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji Villa remain winless in their opening three matches at the Mchinji Community Ground in the ongoing NBS National Division League.

The team suffered a 0-4 defeat to Mitundu Baptist Football Club during the league’s inauguration, followed by a narrow 0-1 loss to Namitete Zitha Football Club last Saturday.

On Wednesday, a noticeably improved Villa side faced Baka City from Karonga. The hosts started brightly, dominating early proceedings and their pressure paid off in the 6th minute when Kevin Mustafa scored from close range after Baka goalkeeper Omary Hamis failed to deal with a shot from Patrick Malenguka.

Villa nearly doubled their lead seven minutes later through a long-range effort from Madalitso, which narrowly missed the target.

Baka City struggled to assert themselves but had a significant chance in the 30th minute when Enock Kaonga’s header skimmed just over the bar.

Despite enjoying more possession in Villa’s half, they were unable to convert their dominance into goals.

Villa went into the halftime break leading 1-0 and hopeful of securing their first win.

In the second half, Baka City introduced Duncan Mhango and Privilege Chirwa in place of Robert Koneli and Lloyd Siyeni.

The substitutions brought renewed energy, and Baka City began to apply more pressure. However, Villa’s defence, led by last man Precious Kachule, stood firm.

Kaonga came close again in the 58th minute, hitting the upright after a promising build-up from the left wing.

In response, Villa’s attack, spearheaded by Shamiona Wotchi, Mazunzo Banda, and Mustafa, pressed for a second goal.

Mustafa struck the post with a shot from outside the box, and Hamis produced a fingertip save to deny Ernest Chimusi from the rebound.

Hastings Ndau proved to be a constant threat to Villa’s defence, creating space and delivering dangerous crosses from the left.

His efforts paid off in the 88th minute when he controlled a ball inside the 18-yard box and fired a powerful equaliser, dashing Villa’s hopes of a home victory. The match ended 1-1.

Speaking after the game, Baka City Coach Victor Mwakhwawa admitted his team struggled early on.

“We were under pressure after conceding early. There was a lack of coordination, but in the second half, I switched tactics by pushing more players forward and using only three defenders—that’s when we got our goal,” he said.

Mwakhwawa also noted the challenges in the division league.

“This league is tougher than the Super League in terms of officiating. Home teams tend to have the advantage, so we will focus on capitalising on our home games,” he added.

Villa coach Eliya Phiri remained optimistic despite the draw.

“We’ll come back stronger. Our next game is away, so we’ll focus on mentally preparing the players to perform on the road,” said Phiri.

The result lifts Villa from the bottom of the log to ninth position. However, they have played three matchesone more than most other teams, except Baka City who have also played three.

Mitundu Baptist, Bangwe All Stars, and Namitete Zitha remain at the top of the table with six points each, maintaining perfect starts to the season.

In a weekend of thrilling local football across the nation’s second tier, the NBS National Division League, one name echoed louder than the rest: Raheem Mtondera. The Mitundu Baptist forward’s ceaseless goal-scoring spree has set the league on fire, flying his team to the summit with an electrifying start that promises an unforgettable season ahead.

The Rise of a Goal Machine
Mtondera’s brilliance was on full display last Sunday at Kasungu Stadium, where he delivered a masterclass in finishing, netting a hat-trick that cemented Mitundu’s 3-0 victory over Jenda United. This came barely a week after the 24-year-old’s spectacular treble in the league’s opening fixture against Mchinji Villa in Mchinji district.

Mitundu Baptist head coach Joseph Banda has consistently described Mtondera’s form as nothing short of sensational. “Raheem’s ability to find the net is extraordinary. He is hungry, disciplined, and very determined to lead us to greatness.”

The former Creck Sporting Club forward’s first-half goal ignited the match, but it was his second-half brace that truly left spectators in awe. His clinical finishing, combined with swift movement and sharp instincts, made him a nightmare for Jenda’s defenders.

In an exclusive interview with The Atlas Malawi, Mtondera attributed his gigantic performance to “passion and hard work.” “I am more consistent when it comes to scoring. It’s my job, and that’s what I am employed for,” he said.

The magic has flown Mtondera to the top of the league, making him the current top goal scorer.

League Leaders and Rising Stars
Mitundu’s perfect start—two wins from two games—has them perched comfortably atop the league table, with six points, having scored seven goals and conceded just one. The development signals an ambitious campaign, eager to challenge the traditional powerhouses.

Not far behind are Bangwe All Stars, who maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 victory over FOMO FC at Mpira Stadium. Mervin Mwaira and Selemani Mussa scored in the 13th and 90th minutes, respectively, ensuring the Mulanje-based side’s flawless start.

The win was a much-needed result for the team’s captain, Isaac Phiri. “Winning our first two matches is a great confidence booster,” said Phiri.

Drama and Determination in the Northern Region
Meanwhile, the Northern Region has been showcasing its competitive spirit. Red Lions secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 away victory over Chilumba Barracks, thanks to Abel Gerald’s 39th-minute strike. The soldiers now have only three points.

In a dramatic late twist, Ntaja United was denied victory by a 90th-minute equalizer from Manase Mlenga of Chintheche, ending the match 1-1. Both teams added four points to their totals, standing sixth and fourth, respectively.

Struggles and Surprises
The season, however, has not been without surprises and wonders, as Mchinji Villa suffered their second straight defeat, falling 1-0 to Namitete Zitha last Saturday. Maxwell Magwero’s penalty proved decisive, leaving Villa rooted at the bottom with zero points.

Meanwhile, Ndirande Stars and Baka City shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Enock Kaonga opened the scoring for Baka in the fifth minute, but Aubrey Mwale’s equalizer for the hosts ensured a fair result.

The Season’s Promise
As the league gains momentum, the storylines abound—rising stars, underdog stories, and the relentless pursuit of glory. Mtondera’s blistering form has fans dreaming of a season where he could etch his name into the league’s history books, while the fierce competition across all regions guarantees a spectacle for football lovers.

With the next fixtures looming, teams are hungry for more points and moments that could define their campaigns. Will Mtondera sustain his scoring streak? Can Mitundu defend their lead? And which underdog will rise to challenge the giants? Only time will tell.

In an interview yesterday, sports commentator Sebastian Liwonde described the league as a promising platform that local players have always wanted. “This is a tournament that local players have always waited for, and I believe they will take a chance and showcase what they are capable of.”