The Atlas Malawi

Category: Sports

  • Blantyre vs Lilongwe: Airtel Top 8 reaches semifinals

    Blantyre vs Lilongwe: Airtel Top 8 reaches semifinals

    The Airtel Top 8 semifinals fixtures are now completed after Blue Eagles and Silver Strikers joined Nyasa Big Bullets who progressed into the last four teams last week.

    Despite a 2-0 loss to Blue Eagles on Saturday at Dedza Dynamos, The Cops progressed with a 3-2 aggregate after their 3-0 first leg win a fortnight ago.

    24 hours later, Kamuzu Barracks fell short of Silver Strikers after stumbling to a 2-0 home defeat. The Bankers progressed with a 3-1 aggregate after the first leg had ended 1-1.

    With the 2021/2022 semifinals pitting defending Champions Nyasa Big Bullets against Silver Strikers next Saturday, plus former champions Blue Eagles dating Mighty Wanderers on Sunday, the winner of this year’s Top 8 is set to come from one of those two cities once more.

    The Nomads are the only side without Airtel Top 8 trophy. Silver Strikers have won it twice where as holders Bullets and Eagles have one apiece.

    Its going to be mouthwatering matches starting from Saturdays and Sunday encounters looking at their head to head of teams in the two ties.

    The People’s team have won three times over Silver Strikers, losing once and a draw in their last five meetings. The two sides have three times in League matches and twice in FDH Cup and Airtel Top 8 respectively where each team has won once through penalties.

    On the other hand, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will look to end Blue Eagles dominance over them. The Area 30 outfit emerged victorious on three occasions and the two sides have draw twice in their last five matches.

  • Shame as newly constructed diving platforms peel off, injuring one athelete

    Shame as newly constructed diving platforms peel off, injuring one athelete

    The Region 5 Youth Games were suspended following poor condition of one of the diving platforms at the newly built first ever Kamuzu Institute for Sports Aquatic Centre.

    The Atlas Malawi has learnt that today’s program was indefinitely suspended due to poor workmanship on the pool which saw the clock not working and again diving platforms peeling off.

    One of the Malawi athletes, Muhammad Alli Mussa got injured during the incident.

    Malawi team Coach Yona Walesi has confirmed with the media of Mussa’s injury.

    The facility is into its first week of use after it’s partial completion ahead of the Region 5 games.

    Government spent a whooping K9.4 billion to the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation who were trusted to construct the aquatic center.

    The money was used to construct 50m long international Olympic swimming pool, 25m long training swimming pool, new covered stands, rehabilitation of existing stands, double storey VIP wing and social services block.

    Officials are yet to comment on the incident.

     

     

  • 6 best Super League players in their maiden 2022 season

    6 best Super League players in their maiden 2022 season

    Just like every season, there have been several outstanding performances from players in their maiden TNM Super League season.

    The Atlas Malawi has picked up six outstanding performers for the 2022 season.

    PATRICK MWAUNGULU (Nyasa Big Bullets)

    One of the most productive players of the Southern Region Football Association League this term.

    The 20 year old forward’s all-round contribution is the biggest reason the people’s team retained the title for the fourth time in a row.

    He scored 9 League goals and registered double figures for assists (20) and created the most scoring chances in the top flight League.

    He also claimed man of the match, player of the month awards and at 20 he has already featured for the senior National Team.

    CHRISTOPHER GOTOTO (Blue Eagles)

    The former Ascent Academy striker was a marvel to watch for rockies Sable Farming in the first round before League runners up Blue Eagles signed him during the mid season transfer window.

    Gototo banged an impressive 8 goals in the League. He also managed to score a hat trick and won man of match award once.

    His performance earned him a place in the Malawi U23 national team.

    CHARLES CHIPALA (Dedza Dynamos)

    The Dedza Dynamos attacking midfielder has been one of the best newcomers in the top flight League this season with 8 goals to his name. He was promoted together with Dynamos from the Chipiku League and has impressed with his ability to carry the ball in possession, dribbling prowess and scoring goals.

    PROMISE KAMWENDO (Dedza Dynamos)

    The Ex-Extreme FC goal poacher has scored 8 League goals in his first season for Dedza Dynamoz. Kamwendo formed a deadly attack combination with Charles Chipala and Clement Nyondo and he is one of the most wanted players on the market as he is currently linked with a move to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers among others.

    FRANK WILLARD (Nyasa Big Bullets)

    Willard left Southern Region League outfit, Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve to join MAFCO FC but he was resigned at the middle of the season after impressive performance for the Salima based Soldiers.

    His return at the Peoples Team saw Blessings Mpokera and Henry Kabich losing their places as defending midfielders and he established himself as one of the best defending midfielders in the League.

    TROUBLE KAJANI (Rumphi United)

    The forward although could not help his side avoid relegation, however he enjoyed a stellar campaign. With 7 goals to his name, he was leading the top scorers chat at one point in the first round for a struggling side like Rumphi United.

  • AUSC Region 5 Youth games hosting provides an opportunity

    AUSC Region 5 Youth games hosting provides an opportunity

    Government has said hosting of the 10th African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games would provide a lot of the opportunities in the transport, tourism and business sectors for the next 14 days.

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Richard Chimwendo Banda said this Thursday during the handover of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games Torch to the Mayor of Lilongwe City as a host.

    He said the games have brought over 2,000 athletes that would be participating in various sporting codes and this provides a lot of opportunities to several sectors within the City.

    “I will like to urge City resident to take to opportunity to patronize various sporting venues to watch games for free,” Banda said.

    He added that the handing over to the Torch to the Mayor symbolizes the commencement of the youth games ahead of official opening on Friday evening.

    The Minister disclosed that two heads of State, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi and his Mozambican counterpart, Filipe Nyusi would grace the official opening ceremony at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Area 48, Lilongwe.

    “The official opening ceremony will be climaxed with a Confederation of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) Under 17 football match between Malawi and Botswana which will be used as Confederation of African Football (CAF) youth qualifiers for 2023,” he said.

    Mayor for Lilongwe City, Councillor, Richard Banda said the council was very gratitude to host the youth games for the first time.

    He said hosting the games provides an opportunity to city residents to patronize the games in various sporting venues within the city.

    “We have done a lot of improvements within the city in readiness for the games and city streets have been maintained in order to improve mobility challenges,” Banda said.

    Malawi’s sports legends, Kinnah Phiri, Mary Waya and John Mwethiwa were among the sports legends that carried the Torch from Capital Hotel round about to Civic Offices and handed it to the Minister before giving it to the Mayor.

    There was AUSC Region 5 Youth Games awareness march from Area 25 Nsungwi, through Mtandire, Ntchesi, Biwi Triangle to City Centre with Nyemba Boys and Malawi Army Brass Band providing the entertainment.

  • CHIPIKU LEAGUE WEEK 9: Ngwanje charity works continue

    CHIPIKU LEAGUE WEEK 9: Ngwanje charity works continue

    The Central Region Football Association rolled into action six mid-week matches of K15.5 Million Chipiku Premier Division.

    Wimbe United bounced back from last weekend’s defeat at Villa to reclaim top position after a win against Mbabzi in Group A whereas Ngwanje search for the first win in Group B continues after surrendering maximum points to Luanar FC.

    We take a look at four talking points of Wednesdays games.

    WIMBE RETURNS TOP

    Wimbe United beat Mbadzi United 1-0 to reclaim top position in group A, thanks to Jawadu Ausi lone strike.

    Wimbe United were displaced over the weekend by Silver Strikers Reserve after a surprise 2-1 loss against Villa FC.

    But on Wednesday, Wimbe took advantage of Young Bankers 0-0 draw at St. Gabriel Medicals to go top.

    The Kasungu side move a point above second placed Silver Strikers Reserve with 14 points. Both have played 7 games.

    AIRBORNE ROARS

    Airborne Rangers leapfrog Mbabzi United and St. Gabriel Medicals to move from second bottom to third from the top as they beat bottom side, Villa FC 2-0.

    Airborne Rangers have now accumulated 10 points, 4 behind Group A leaders where as Mbadzi and St. Gabriel Medicals are tied on 9 points, on 4th and 5th respectively while Villa remains bottom with just 3 points.

    RELIABLE DONORS

    Group B bottom side, Ngwanje FC continued to donate points after suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Luanar on Wednesday.

    With the result, Ngwanje remains bottom with 2 points from 7 games while Luanar have moved top with 14 points, overtaking Support Battalion and Extreme FC in the process.

    Extreme FC dropped second with 13 points after their 2-2 draw with third placed Support Battalion who have 12 points.

    KAWINGA MAINTAINS FOURTH

    Kawinga FC maintained fourth spot following a 2-2 draw against Kamuzu Barracks Reserve.

    Kawinga FC relayed on goals from Amadu Makawa and Anold Son Kuyama while Patrick Jailos and Stain Chirwa were on target for KB Reserve.

    As it stands, both Kawinga FC and KB Reserve have maintained their positions. Kawinga are fourth with 9 points while KB Reserve stays 5th with 6 points.

    Below are the full results of games played on Wednesday in Chipiku League:

    • Wimbe United 1 – 0 Mbabzi (Jawadu Ausi)

    • Ngwanje 0 – 1 Luanar FC

    • Support Battalion 2 – 2 Extreme FC (Fanuel Fukizi, Edward Kamplota | Mabvuto Chipolopolo, Bestone Jimu)

    • St. Gabriel Medicals 0 – 0 Silver Strikers RSV.

    • Kawinga FC 2 -2 KB RSV (Amadu Makawa, Anold Son Kuyama | Patrick Jailos, Stain Chirwa)

    • Airborne Rangers 2 – 0 Villa FC

  • K745 000 minimum wage for local coaches awaits legal direction

    K745 000 minimum wage for local coaches awaits legal direction

    National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) has said it was still waiting for legal advice to help in enforcing the K745, 000 Monthly minimum wages for Super League Coaches following resistance from some football clubs.

    The Wage that was made by the association in 2020 still met stiff confrontation from clubs that are still enforcing the order on teams.

    General Secretary for Association, Davie Mpima told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday in Lilongwe that they came up with the wage after checking what coaches from neighboring countries get.

    He said the enforcement of the law on monthly wages would prevent local coaches from being exploited and give Football Association of Malawi (FAM) powers to reprimand defaulters.

    “Some coaches don’t have contracts, they do not get their duties in time, and in other cases they go several months without pay, yet clubs are not lenient when results are not impressive,” Mpima added.

    General Secretary for Super League of Malawi (SULOM), Williams Banda said the issue of employment was demand driven as it gives a person liberty to take or leave the job based on payment agreements.

    “The matter is beyond SULOM, the concerns of capping salaries require an accurate legal review and enforcement,” he said.

    Super league of Malawi has 16 teams and a demand for better perks for coaches remains a priority.

  • Chipiku League week 8: A single draw and four storylines

    Chipiku League week 8: A single draw and four storylines

    There was a single draw and five wins in week 8 of K15.5 million Chipiku Premier Division matches over the weekend.

    Silver Strikers Reserve and Extreme FC took the driving seats in their respective groups following victories as Villa FC registered their first win in Group A.

    We take a look at four major talking points:

    WIMBE STUMBLE

    Wimbe United have dropped to the second in Group A after suffering a 2-1 defeat at Villa FC.

    Jana Buleya and Patrick Banda were on target for Villa FC while Green Bimphi scored the consolation for Wimbe United.

    Following the defeat Wimbe have dropped second as Silver Strikers Reserve beat Airbourne Rangers 2-1 to move top.

    With six games each, The Young Bankers have 12 points, one above second placed Wimbe United.

    VILLA BAG FIRST THREE

    Villa FC victory of Wimbe United was their first in 6 games they have played so far in Group A.

    The Mchinji based side had played five games without a single point. Now they remain at the bottom with three points and they four points behind Airbourne Rangers who stays a step above them.

    EXTREME TAKE OVER

    Extreme FC beat Ngwanje FC 2-0 to move top of group B as they capitalized on Luanar FC defeat against Kawinga.

    With the victory, Extreme have now 12 points while Luanar have dropped to third position with 11 points as they tied with Support Battalion who beat Kamuzu Barracks in all military affair.

    NGWANJE WINLESS CONTINUES

    Ngwanje FC remains the only side without a single win in both groups of Chipiku Premier Division League.

    The Ntchisi based side lost 2-0 to Extreme of Saturday to remain at the bottom of group B will just 2 points from possible 18.

    FULL RESULTS OF WEEK 8 BELOW

    CRFA K15.5 MILLION CHIPIKU PREMIER DIVISION WEEK 8 RESULTS

    SATURDAY 26/11/2022 2ND ROUND OF 12

    ✓ Extreme FC 2 -0 Ngwanje FC

    ✓ Silver Strikers RSV 2 – 1 Airborne Rangers FC

    ✓ Luanar FC 0 – 1 Kawinga FC (Amadu Makawa)

    SUNDAY 27/11/2022 RESULTS

    ✓ Villa FC 2 – 1 Wimbe United (Jana Buleya, Patrick Banda | Green Bimphi)

    ✓ Mbabzi United 1 -1 St. Gabriel Medicals

    ✓ Kamuzu Barracks 0 -2 Support Battalion ( Lumbani Mkandawire- brace)

  • Wanderers join Bullets in Airtel Top 8 semi-final

    Wanderers join Bullets in Airtel Top 8 semi-final

    Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets have progressed into the semi finals of 2022 Airtel Top 8 after their victories over MAFCO FC and Karonga United respectively.

    Nyasa Big Bullets were the first to book a place in the semis when they played out a 1-1 draw against Karonga United on Saturday to progress with an emphatic 8-1 goal aggregate thanks to 7-0 first leg victory a fortnight ago.

    The People’s Team took an early lead at Karonga Stadium courtesy of Hassan Kajoke’s finish inside the box but Karonga United equalized deep inside the second half through Mphatso Kamanga whose first touch connection from Sheriff Shamama’s corner kick hit the back of the net.

    24 hours later Mighty Mukuru Wanderers followed their neighbors as they beat MAFCO FC 2-0 to sail through with a 4-0 goal aggregate.

    It was goalless at half time as both sides were unable to create clear chances.

    The Nomads broke the deadlock after 66 minutes through Chiukepo Msowoya’s close range finish from Stanley Sanudi’s free kick.

    Felix Zulu doubles the lead 10 minutes later to ensure the Nomads a 2-0 victory against the Salima based Soldiers.

    Kamuzu Barracks will host Silver Strikers next week in another quarter final second leg as their first game ended in a 1-1 draw while Blue Eagles will head into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage away to Dedza Dynamoz.

  • Zimbabwe golfer wins Seed-Co Malawi championship

    Zimbabwe golfer wins Seed-Co Malawi championship

     

     

    By Moses Nyirenda:

    Zimbabwean professional golfer, Visitor Mapwanya has emerged champion of Seed-Co Malawi open golf championship which was held at Lilongwe Golf Club from November 22-25, 2022 after finishing the tournament with a gross score of 276 (-12).

    The winner has been followed by last year’s champion also from Zimbabwe, Robson Chihnoi on position two with a gross score of 277 (-11) and Biggy Chibvundi from Ghana as well as Paul Chidale from Malawi who ended up on position three with 286 gross.  

    Mapwanya has been awarded the money prize of US$2, 775 (over K3 million) and a trophy.

    Speaking at Lilongwe Golf Club after the prize presentation on Friday, Mapwanya expressed excitement for being this year’s champion.

    “I am to be the champion of the 2022 Seed-Co Malawi open golf championship. It is an amazing feeling. Last year when I participated in the same competition I did not play well and I struggled as I finished on number 11.

    “Coming back here and finishing on first position means a lot to me after the hard work I have been putting behind the scenes. I can say that my hard work has paid off,” Mapwanya said. 

    Asked his secret to finish on first position this year, the professional golfer said he improved on his weak areas in last year’s competition. 

    “Last year my putting, tee shots and shotgun were bad, but this time around those areas were perfectly fine,” he said.

    He, therefore, applauded Seed-Co, Lilongwe Golf Club and Professional Golfers Association of Malawi (PGA-Mw), among other sponsors, for making this year’s tournament possible.

    PGA-Mw President, General Henry Odillo (retired) described this year’s tournament a success.

    “The tournament has been a great success, the field as well the performance of the golfers were a success, especially the champion who played great golf and made very few errors along the way,” Odillo said.

    Seed-Co Malawi open golf championship attracted 40 professional golfers. Among the golfers, 16 were from Zimbabwe, 13 from Malawi, eight from Zambia and two from South Africa.

    Seed-Co Malawi Commercial Director Gift Kawamba said his company is committed to supporting golf in the country.

    “We are here to stay and we will make the prizes of the tournament as big as possible so that we entice and attract golfers from outside to come and play.

    “Our aim is to ensure that golf improves in Malawi, not only for amateurs but also professionals,” Kawamba explained. 

     

  • All set for LSPCA fundraising golf tournament

    All set for LSPCA fundraising golf tournament

    Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA) says all is set for its fundraising golf tournament scheduled to take place on Saturday November 19, 2022 at Lilongwe Golf Club.

    In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), LSPCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eveline Sibindi van Dam said that the fundraising golf tournament is aiming at raising funds that would assist LSPCA in conducting some of its works.

    “We serve 5,000 animals in our state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in Kanengo and a veterinary clinic in Area 3 annually.

    “We also run a continuous rabies vaccination campaign and have vaccinated over 200,000 dogs in Lilongwe in order to eliminate Rabies from Malawi; hence the funds which will be raised in the golf tournament will be channelled to some of our works,” Sibindi van Dam said.

    She added that the funds raised would also among other things used in improving the lives of donkeys in Lilongwe, Dedza and Dowa district as well as training veterinary students and para-veterinary students from Lilongwe University of Agriculture Natural Resources (LUANAR).

    According to her, LSPCA serves animals in 50 percent of Lilongwes high-density areas and 100% of small scale farms around Lilongwe through the mobile clinic which provide services at free of charge.

    She also said that, LSPCA works in partnership with the government as well as LUANAR and it mainly provides its services in the central region.

    “The LSPCA is the trusted partner of the Malawi Government in relation to all animal welfare and animal health matters in Malawi.
    “We are also the trusted partner of the university and college LUANAR that offers veterinary and para-veterinary education in the country and as the main provider of veterinary services in central Malawi with a clientele of more than 2,000 households,” she said.
    She therefore urged the well wishers to patronise the golf tournament in their large numbers and help LSPCA in raising funds that would assist to improve its services.

    “I am urging the well wishers to join us for a fun-filled day that creates awareness and funds for the underdog; animal welfare in Malawi,” she explained.