The Zimbabwe national football team has been rocked by the sudden resignation of head coach Mario Marinica, who has stepped down with immediate effect.
According to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), Marinica cited personal reasons for his decision, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure with the Warriors.
ZIFA confirmed the development in an official statement, adding that the association has accepted his resignation and thanked the coach for his contribution during his time in charge.
Mario Marinica
The resignation comes just days after Marinica guided Zimbabwe to victory in the Four Nations Tournament hosted by Botswana.
Zimbabwe emerged champions with six points, while Zambia and Botswana both finished with three points each and Malawi the Flames finished bottom.
Marinica’s departure now leaves Zimbabwe searching for a new head coach despite their recent success on the pitch.The timing of his exit has sparked debate among football followers, with many surprised that such a move comes immediately after lifting silverware.
The Salima Sugar Company has emphatically dismissed media reports suggesting that the Malawian government is planning to sell the strategic sugar producer, describing the claims as entirely unfounded and false.
The allegations, which emerged during a recent edition of Times Television’s Hot Current programme, had sparked widespread speculation and concern about the future of the company, a key player in Malawi’s agro-industrial sector.
Thupi
However, in a swift and stern rejoinder, Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Thupi has moved to set the record straight, categorically refuting the claims and assuring stakeholders that no such plans are on the table for the sale of the company.
“We wish to categorically refute these allegations as no such plans are on the table for the sale of this strategic company,” Thupi said in a press release issued on Monday afternoon, emphasizing the company’s commitment to transparency and accuracy.
Thupi’s statement comes as a reassurance to the nation that Salima Sugar Company Limited continues to operate normally, with maintenance works currently underway to ensure the smooth running of the business.
The Salima Sugar Company chief has also taken a swipe at Times Television for failing to verify the information before airing its claims, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to verify information with the company before releasing it to the public.
“We urge the media to always verify with us before releasing information pertaining to the company,” the statement added, highlighting the company’s commitment to accuracy and transparency in its dealings with stakeholders.
Salima Sugar Company Limited is a Malawian joint-venture specializing in sugar plantation development and processing, and remains one of the country’s key players in the agro-industrial sector, with a significant contribution to the national economy.
The Super League of Malawi (SULOM) has issued a formal apology following the collapse of the much-anticipated FDH Bank Premiership launch at Kamuzu Stadium over the weekend.
The league governing body expressed regret to sponsor FDH Bank Plc, the Malawi Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), participating teams and all stakeholders affected by the failed event.
The official launch, which was scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Kamuzu Stadium, could not proceed after the venue was declared unfit to host elite league matches. The development left fans, players and officials stranded, raising serious concerns about planning and coordination.
In a press statement released on Monday, April 27, 2026, SULOM took full responsibility for the incident, admitting shortcomings in ensuring that the venue met the required standards ahead of the high profile event.
SULOM was quick to distance its sponsor from the controversy, emphasizing that FDH Bank had no role in selecting Kamuzu Stadium as the venue. The league clarified that the decision rested solely with the organizers.
The failed launch has already had financial implications, with FDH Bank announcing the suspension of its K5 billion sponsorship deal, a move that has sent shockwaves across the local football fraternity.
SULOM acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that the suspension threatens the smooth running of the 2026/27 season if not urgently addressed.
The league body has since pledged to engage FDH Bank in discussions aimed at restoring confidence and salvaging the sponsorship agreement, which is considered one of the biggest investments in Malawi’s domestic football.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have called for accountability and improved planning to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing that such setbacks damage the image of the game.
Football analyst Ibrahim Phiri have also weighed in, describing the situation as avoidable and urging authorities to prioritize infrastructure readiness before staging major events.
Despite the setback, SULOM remains optimistic that the situation can be resolved through dialogue and corrective measures, assuring fans that efforts are underway to ensure the league proceeds as planned.
Revolutionary and Realist leader of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, says Malawi is a dead nation because it has citizens that are quiet and don’t want to stand up when things are getting from worse to the worst in the country.
Jumah said these people are being regarded as fools observing that Malawi is in silence not as a result of fear by its citizens but stupidity and useless urging them to stand up for their right.
He said Nelson Mandela imagined a South Africa where all are free and it happened, apartheid by the white minority rule ended, South Africans are now enjoying their rights as compared to yesterday.
The Revolutionary leader said in Malawi, Chakufwa Thom Chihana imagined Malawi as a country of multiparty democracy saying his imagination turned reality, multiparty democracy was introduced in Malawi.
Speaking through his Revolutionary voice, Jumah said he still insists that Malawi is the richest country in southern Africa only that politicians have made it poor saying this is the reason he has come up with a doctrine to translate imaginations into realities for a prosperous Malawi 2045 to 2050.
Jumah said the Malawi 2050 national Transformation Blue Print has a vision for a wealth, self – reliant and industrialized upper – middle income country providing high quality life for all.
He said the 2050 Malawi’s transition blue print has some outcomes such as safe, secure and harmonious society, innovative competitive and resilient economy,high skilled, health and productive population, reduced poverty and inequality, Sustainable high economic growth and shared prosperity, and sustainable natural resources, among others.
The Revolutionary leader said the doctrine will achieve enablers such as unity, excellence, transparency and accountability, respect and inclusiveness, effective leadership, innovation technology, adequate efficient financing , partnership and cooperation, data, evidence and knowledge, monitoring, evaluation and learning.
He said the Blue Print will bring court independence, electoral reforms, decentralization with federal system, and economic liberation saying in 20 years, Malawi will change, it will become a fast growing nation and economy amongst the poorest nations.
The Revolutionary leader has called on former presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and the incumbent Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to think outside the box that what Malawi have they left as compared to today.
Jumah said Malawians have suffered for long, for the sake of Malawi, Malawians have been mocked that their country is poor saying this is the time to rise up and speak up of their mind to move Malawi from abstract poverty to Prosperity.
The Revolutionary leader has finally appealed to young men in the names of Moses Kunkuyu, Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Alfred Gangata, Atupele Muluzi, prophet Bushiri, Gospel Kazako, Loveness Gondwe, Catherine Gotani Hara, Patience Namadingo and Onjezani Kenani, among many others, to start thinking of this project beyond their parties dreams for a big dream that in 2050 Salima be a City saying this is possible and they can do it together.
United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi has moved to clarify his recent public statements, stressing that his calls for leadership and reform should not be interpreted as personal attacks on Head of State Arthur Peter Mutharika.
In a statement released on Monday, Muluzi said he has noted with concern what he described as “continued claims” suggesting that his remarks on governance and national direction are aimed at undermining Mutharika. He dismissed the assertions, emphasizing that his comments are rooted in his role as an opposition leader.
“APM is our President, elected with a strong mandate to deliver for the people of Malawi. I hold him in high regard and look to him as a father figure,” said Muluzi.
Atupele and Mutharika
The UDF leader further revealed that his last meeting with Mutharika was in March 2025, when he paid a courtesy call at the former president’s residence in Mangochi. According to Muluzi, the meeting was cordial, with discussions centered on the country’s future, adding that his respect for Mutharika “remains unchanged.”
However, Muluzi was quick to underline that his position as head of an opposition party in a democratic Malawi compels him to speak out on national issues and hold those in power accountable.
“It is both my duty and responsibility to speak on issues affecting our nation and to hold government to account where necessary. This is not personal,it is the essence of democracy,” he said.
Muluzi’s remarks come amid growing political debate over governance and reform, with various stakeholders weighing in on the direction of the country. His statement appears aimed at striking a balance between maintaining respect for senior political figures and asserting the critical role of opposition voices.
He concluded by reiterating that his focus remains on contributing to the development of Malawi, stressing his commitment to working towards a better future for all citizens.
The clarification is expected to ease tensions among supporters and reinforce the importance of constructive political dialogue as the country continues to navigate its democratic path.
