By Rahim Abdul
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced a bold step aimed at transforming the domestic game by releasing two football calendars for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 seasons.
FAM President Fleetwood Haiya said publishing the calendars in advance will give clubs enough time to prepare properly and adjust to gradual changes in the season’s starting period.
Haiya explained that the association is slowly shifting the football calendar to ensure that Malawi’s season aligns more closely with those of developed football nations.
According to him, this alignment is critical for the growth and competitiveness of the local game.
The FAM boss emphasized that the changes are not abrupt but will be implemented step by step to avoid disrupting clubs, players and other stakeholders.
The goal is to create stability while modernizing the system.
One of the major challenges Malawi has faced over the years is the difficulty in transferring players to foreign clubs.
Haiya noted that mismatched season timelines have made it complicated for local talent to secure moves abroad.
In some cases, players have struggled during trials outside the country not because they lack ability, but because they travel at a time when the domestic season is on break. This often leaves them without competitive match fitness.
Haiya pointed out that when players go for trials during Malawi’s off-season, they are at a disadvantage compared to others who are actively competing in their respective leagues.
This has unfairly affected the chances of many talented footballers.
By synchronizing the calendar with international standards, FAM hopes to improve player mobility and make Malawian footballers more marketable on the global stage. The association believes this will open more doors for local stars.
The two calendar announcement also reflects FAM’s commitment to long-term planning rather than short term adjustments. Clubs will now be able to budget, recruit players, and organize pre season preparations with greater certainty.
