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Netball Association of Malawi Keeps Joyce Mvula in Provisional Squad After Talks With Coach Debbie Fuller

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By Rahim Abdul

The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has confirmed that experienced netball star Joyce Mvula remains in the national team’s provisional squad despite previously announcing her retirement from international duty.

NAM General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa Kauma revealed that head coach Debbie Fuller engaged in discussions with Mvula before the squad list was finalized.

According to Kauma, the coach informed the association that she had already spoken to Mvula, and it is believed that the outcome of their conversation influenced the decision to include the player in the latest squad.

Mvula’s inclusion signals that the door remains open for her potential return to competitive international netball, pending further engagements and preparations.

Kauma emphasized that NAM’s primary focus is to build a formidable national team capable of competing strongly in upcoming tournaments.

Joyce Mvula


She stressed that every player with the ability and commitment to contribute positively to the team’s success will be considered, regardless of previous announcements.

In a related development, star shooter Mwai Kumwenda has confirmed her availability for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, boosting the association’s confidence ahead of the prestigious competition.

Kauma said Kumwenda personally communicated her readiness to represent Malawi at the global event, which explains her presence on the provisional list.

NAM has since released a list of 44 players who will begin preparations for various upcoming competitions.

The training camp is expected to take place in Blantyre, where the squad will undergo intensive drills and assessments.

The association believes assembling a broad squad will provide the technical panel with a wider pool of talent to select from as they shape the final team.

With seasoned players potentially returning and key stars confirming availability, NAM appears determined to blend experience and emerging talent in its quest for success on the international stage.

Police cautions the public against swimming in swollen water reservoirs

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By Rahim Abdul

Police in Mangochi are urging members of the public to avoid swimming or playing near rivers, uncompleted swimming pools and abandoned water structures.

Speaking to 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Spokesperson Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,said the warning follows a tragic incident which occurred over the weekend where 19-year-old Hanifu Malombe drowned in unfinished swimming pool at a certain lodge located along Shire River.



Malombe and his nine friends on Saturday climbed over a brick-fenced wall to access the uncompleted lodge that had been abandoned for years due to flash floods.

They began swimming in the incomplete pool, unfortunately Malombe went to a deeper part where he drowned. His body was retrieved by local fishermen who were around the premises.

The matter was reported to Mangochi Police Station who took the dead body to Mangochi District Hospital. Postmortem results confirmed death was due to suffocation.

Police are strongly advising the public to avoid swimming in flooded or abandoned water bodies. During this rainy season, water bodies can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear that can lead to drowning.

Furthermore the public must remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times to avoid such incidents.

The deceased hailed from Mapira village, Traditional Authority Mapira in Mangochi.

K128b Amaryllis Hotel Offer ‘Reasonable’

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By Linda Kwanjana

The K128 billion price tag offered by Yusuf Investments Limited to the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) for the purchase of Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre has been described by property experts as reasonable, despite public controversy surrounding the transaction.

A valuation report by Knight Frank Malawi in July 2023, which we have seen, pegged the hotel’s gross replacement cost at K87.81 billion and its market value at K50.05 billion.

An experienced valuer, who opted not to be identified, said that with multiple currency devaluations in the past three years, the K128 billion offer should not raise alarm.



“Estate property appreciates steadily over time, and considering this is the only five-star rated hotel in Malawi, the figure reflects both scarcity and future potential,” the valuer explained.

Amaryllis Hotel, a freehold property, is a 91-room facility boasting two restaurants, six conference halls, a rooftop swimming pool, a bar, and panoramic views of Blantyre city. The multi-storey building, which includes four basements and seven upper floors, is fitted with modern amenities such as escalators, lifts, CCTV, solar panels, air conditioning, and elegant finishes.

It currently yields monthly rental income of K24.6 million from shops let to tenants, according to the Knight Frank’s valuation report translating into K246Million rentals annually.

Legal experts have clarified that PSPTF is not a government entity but a standalone trust. One lawyer familiar with the matter but opted for anonymity noted that Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta only became involved after the Malawi Law Society requested his intervention.

“The AG did not authorise the sale. He has no such authority. He merely advised PSPTF to relook into issues raised by the Malawi Law Society before proceeding,” the lawyer said.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) earlier cleared the transaction of bribery or corruption allegations. However,  the Reserve Bank of Malawi has ordered a reversal of the deal.

In a letter dated February 2026, the registrar of financial institutions George Partridge ordered the trust to reverse its decision within seven days to avoid administrative penalties.

Legal experts have since cautioned the central bank to tread carefully: “This is a matter involving huge sums of money and a binding agreement. Any intervention must be handled with utmost caution to avoid destabilising both the financial and investment environment,” one lawyer added.

The Amaryllis Hotel remains the only five-star rated hotel in Malawi, strategically positioned for both business travelers and holidaymakers. Its prime location, architectural design, and trading potential continue to make it a rare asset in the country’s hospitality sectors

FDH Bank supports Escom PIESA conference with K20 million

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By Linda Kwanjana

FDH Bank has supported Escom with K20 million towards the successful hosting of the Power Institute for East and Southern Africa (PIESA) conference currently underway in Lilongwe.

FDH Bank Senior Manager for Government and International Organizations Eugene Chinkhandwe said as a homegrown bank, FDH Bank believes that sustainable economic growth is powered by reliable energy.

Chinkhandwe (right) presents the dummy cheque to Chodzadza



“It is with this vision in mind that we are proud to announce our contribution of K20,000,000 toward the successful hosting of the PIESA (Power Institute for East and Southern Africa) Conference, currently underway in Lilongwe.”

“As a homegrown financial institution, we recognize that bridging the energy gap in our region requires strong partnerships between the financial sector and utility providers.
Supporting Regional solutions,” said Chinkhandwe.

“We are delighted to partner with ESCOM and PIESA. By supporting this summit, we are investing in the ideas and the people who will light up our homes and power our industries for generations to come,” added Chinkhandwe.

Receiving the donation on behalf of Escom, Acting Director of Distribution and Customer Service Gilbert Chodzadza described the support as “timely,” noting that the funds will directly assist a conference dedicated to tackling the pressing energy challenges facing the region today.

NYFA and FCB donate K2 million worth of items to children’s ward at Mchinji District Hospital

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By Rahim Abdul

The National Youth Football Association (NYFA), in partnership with First Capital Bank (FCB), has donated assorted items worth K2 million to the children’s ward at Mchinji District Hospital to support the care of young patients.

The donation comes as part of activities marking the conclusion of the 2026 First Capital Bank Under 20 Football Championship, a tournament organized annually by NYFA to promote youth football development in Malawi.

NYFA officials donating to Mchinji District Hospital


NYFA General Secretary Rabson Woodwell said the association found it important to give back to the community, especially in areas that nurture young talent.

Woodwell emphasized that football is more than just a sport, describing it as a tool for transforming lives. He noted that for children to excel in sports, they must first have good health and proper care.

First Capital Bank Mchinji Branch Manager Richard Chindura reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting grassroots football, saying youth development remains key to the country’s future.

Chindura added that the partnership between FCB and NYFA demonstrates how corporate institutions and sports bodies can work together to uplift communities in need.

Mchinji District Hospital spokesperson Owen Chataika expressed gratitude for the timely support, saying the hospital has been struggling with food supplies and essential materials for patients.

Chataika said the donated items will significantly ease the burden on the children’s ward and improve the welfare of young patients receiving treatment.

The gesture highlights how sports initiatives can extend their impact beyond the football pitch by contributing to social responsibility and community support.

Last year, NYFA made a similar donation to an SOS school in the city of Mzuzu, reaffirming its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable groups across the country.