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Mponela FC clinch NBM U-23 Championship

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By Linda Kwanjana

Dowa-based Mponela FC have been crowned champions of the inaugural National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Under-23 Championship after defeating Karonga United Reserves 3-2 through post-match penalties in an exciting final played at Champion Stadium in Mponela.

The closely contested match ended goalless in regulation time, with both sides creating numerous scoring opportunities but failing to find the back of the net.

Charles Ulaya



Mponela held their nerve to seal a historic victory in front of their home supporters.

Speaking after the match on Sunday, Mponela FC head coach Pascal Chirwa hailed his players for their determination and composure.

“The triumph is a major milestone for the team. Winning the inaugural championship will serve as strong motivation as the club prepares for other future games ahead,” said Chirwa.

Karonga United Reserves head coach Chris Chimkwita, however, felt his side had done enough to win the match.

“We were the better team on the day despite the loss. Nonetheless, we accept the result, and we commend the players for their effort throughout the tournament,” said Chimkwita.

NBM plc Chief Risk Officer Charles Ulaya expressed satisfaction with the organisation and impact of the competition.

“We have seen Mponela FC emerge as champions, which reflects our goal of unearthing talent from across the villages. It is especially encouraging that every district in Malawi took part in this championship, ensuring inclusivity nationwide.”

“Going forward, we believe this competition will serve as a strong foundation for the Under-23 national team, providing a valuable pool of talent for selection,” said Ulaya.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya applauded National Bank of Malawi for introducing the competition.

“The NBM U-23 Championship has created a vital platform for young players to showcase their talent beyond district-level football. The tournament has opened doors for emerging players and reaffirmed FAM’s commitment to nurturing the identified talent to strengthen the country’s football future,” said Haiya.

As champions, Mponela FC walked away with a K10 million prize, while runners-up Karonga United Reserves received K4 million.

Kababa Academy secured third place and earned K2 million, rounding off a successful inaugural edition of the competition.

The Zomba-based Academy also defeated Blantyre-based side QPL Stars 4-3 through post-match penalties after a two-all draw in regulation time.

Apart from the team’s prize money, several players were also awarded for their outstanding performances during their previous matches.

The competition started at district level before graduating to the regional encounter where Karonga United Reserves emerged victors in the Northern Region, Mponela FC represented the Central, while QPL Stars and Kababa Academy were the Southern and Eastern Regions ambassadors respectively.

The NBM Under 23 Championship is part of the NBM plc’s K1.58 billion sports sponsorship launched last year.

ESCOM Appoints Global Energy Expert as CEO

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By Linda Kwanjana

The Board of Directors of the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has announced the appointment of Engineer William Kaipa as the Corporation’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st April 2026.

In a statement signed by chairperson of the Board Alfred Nhlema, the strategic move follows a deliberate and carefully considered board process aimed at safeguarding the stability and strategic direction of the nation’s power utility during a period of heightened operational urgency.

Recognizing the current critical state of the power sector—characterized by system reliability challenges and the need for accelerated infrastructure reforms—the Board exercised its governance discretion to undertake an expedited and targeted executive search.

William Kaipa



Nhlema described the move as a “measured and exceptional decision taken within the confines of the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities, balancing procedural norms with the urgent need to ensure continuity of leadership and service delivery”.

Engineer Kaipa is a distinguished professional with over 37 years of experience spanning the energy, infrastructure, and resources sectors. His career is defined by senior leadership roles at some of the continent’s most significant institutions, including Eskom, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and Arup.

Notably, his technical mastery includes serving as the Lead Mechanical Engineer for the R3.5 billion Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme and involvement in the Majuba UCG Pilot Plant, demonstrating a proven ability to manage complex generation systems and large-scale project execution.

Furthermore, Kaipa held senior roles at Eskom’s Lethabo Power Station, where he oversaw plant performance improvement and operational optimization within a national grid environment. 

In addition to his vast field experience, Engineer Kaipa holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Malawi, and is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. The Board expressed high confidence that his leadership maturity and technical authority will provide the immediate impact required to stabilize ESCOM’s operations and accelerate ongoing projects.

The appointment is viewed as a strategic alignment of global expertise with national priorities, particularly as Malawi advances toward its MW2063 development agenda.

By securing a leader capable of delivering results from day one, the Board reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and securing the country’s energy future.

Flood relief efforts underway in Phalombe s District

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By Burnett Munthali

In a bid to mitigate the impact of flooding in Phalombe district, the Department of Disaster Management has announced plans to deploy mobile bridges to affected areas.

Director of Disaster Management, Wilson Moleni, revealed this initiative during a visit to Traditional Authority Jenala in Phalombe, where he delivered aid to families displaced by the floods.

Moleni emphasized that the department is taking proactive measures to prepare for potential future disasters, stating that the deployment of mobile bridges will help to ensure that communities remain connected and accessible even in the face of flooding.



Paramount Chief Kaduya, representing the affected communities, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, acknowledging the efforts of the department in responding to the crisis.

According to Moleni, a total of 1,550 households have been affected by the floods, with two reported fatalities in the district.

The floods have caused significant disruption to the lives of residents, with many families forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

The government, through the Department of Disaster Management, is working to provide relief to those affected, including food, shelter, and other essential supplies.

As the situation continues to unfold, the department is urging communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

With the rainy season still in full swing, the risk of further flooding remains high, and authorities are advising residents to be prepared for any eventuality.

The efforts of the Department of Disaster Management are a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and responding to emergencies.

As the situation develops, further updates will be provided, and aid efforts will continue to be coordinated to ensure that those affected receive the support they need.

Mighty Wanderers shines bright at 2026 Presidential Ball Awards

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By Burnett Munthali

The 2026 Mighty Wanderers Presidential Ball Awards are underway at the prestigious Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre, marking a momentous occasion for the club’s outstanding players and technical officials.

The event, hosted by Mighty Wanderers 2021 Limited’s president and board chairperson Thomson Frank Mpinganjira, is a celebration of excellence and dedication to the sport.

Mighty Wanderers, affectionately known as the Nomads, has reason to celebrate, having ended an eight-year top-flight league title drought in 2025. This achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

The awards ceremony recognizes the individual contributions that made this possible, honoring the players and officials who drove the team to success.

Bob Mpinganjira



The event promises to be a night of glamour and recognition, with various categories up for grabs, including Player of the Season, Rookie of the Year, and Top Goal Scorer, among others.

The presence of Thomson Frank Mpinganjira and his wife Triephornia adds to the prestige of the occasion, underscoring the club’s commitment to its stakeholders.

As the Nomads continue to make waves in Malawian football, this awards ceremony serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork, dedication, and passion.

We look forward to seeing who will take home the coveted awards and continue to shine for Mighty Wanderers.

Dedza Filmmakers Set to Premiere Inspiring Movie “Impossible Future”



By Rahim Abdul

A group of filmmakers from Dedza District under Awaden Films have announced that preparations for their new movie titled “Impossible Future (Tsogolo Lolephereka)” are now complete, with the film set to be premiered to the public on March 28, 2026.

The much anticipated launch event will take place at Living Waters Church in Chimbiya, Dedza, where community members and invited guests are expected to gather to witness the debut screening of the locally produced film.

One of the key leaders behind the production, Awalu Manyongo, confirmed that the entire filming process has successfully been completed and the team is satisfied with how the project has progressed.



Manyongo explained that the production journey required dedication and teamwork, adding that the team is proud to finally present the finished product to the public.

He described Impossible Future as more than just entertainment, saying the film carries a strong message aimed at shaping the mindset of young people.

According to Manyongo, the movie seeks to encourage youth to remain focused on education and personal development rather than being distracted by negative influences within society.

He emphasized that the film reflects real-life challenges faced by many young people and aims to inspire them to pursue a brighter and more responsible future.

The Awaden Films official further stated that this production marks only the beginning of what the team hopes will become a long journey in the local film industry.

Manyongo added that their filmmaking initiatives are also creating opportunities for various people, including actors, technical crews, and other creatives within the community.

He noted that by producing more films locally, they hope to contribute to the growth of the creative arts sector in Dedza and beyond.

Meanwhile, the team has invited members of the public to attend the premiere event and support the growing film industry in the district.

Manyongo concluded by urging people, especially young individuals, to come and watch the film as it carries important lessons about discipline, determination and the value of education.