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Mpinganjira sends stark warning to Mighty Wanderers players: Take your penalties or forfeit bonuses

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Mpinganjira sends stark warning to Mighty Wanderers players: Take your penalties or forfeit bonuses



By Burnett Munthali

Mighty Wanderers 2021 Limited president and board chairperson Thomson Frank Mpinganjira has issued a stern warning to his players: take your penalties or risk losing game bonuses for the entire season.

The ultimatum was delivered at the 2026 Mighty Wanderers Presidential Ball Awards, currently underway at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre.

Mpinganjira’s warning comes in the wake of several high-profile instances where players have shunned taking penalties in crucial matches, including the FDH Bank Cup final against Silver Strikers and the Castel Challenge Cup semi-final.

The Nomads lost both games, and Mpinganjira is determined to put an end to this trend.

Mpinganjira and wife Triphornia



“I do not want to see that happening again next season,” Mpinganjira said, making it clear that he expects every player to be willing to take a penalty when called upon.

The president’s tough stance is aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability among the players, and ensuring that they are willing to put their team’s interests ahead of personal concerns.

With the club looking to build on its successful 2025 season, Mpinganjira’s warning is a clear indication that he will not tolerate any lack of commitment or courage from his players.

The players have been put on notice, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to this challenge.

Chalamanda appointed COSAFA Appeals Committee chair

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Chalamanda appointed COSAFA Appeals Committee chair



By Chisomo Phiri

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has appointed Malawian private practice lawyer Noel Chalamanda as chairperson of its Appeals Committee ahead of the regional football body’s elective Annual General Assembly(AGA ).

The appointment comes as COSAFA prepares for its elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for May 16,2026 where key leadership positions are expected to be contested.

Chalamanda



In a letter signed by COSAFA Executive Director (ED) Sue Destombes, the regional football governing body says Chalamanda, together with other newly appointed members, will attend their first committee meeting on Tuesday.

Chalamanda, who previously served as Mayor of Blantyre City, confirmed in an interview with local media that he has accepted the role.

He said he is honoured to take up the position at a critical time for the regional football body.

“I am truly honoured to chair the COSAFA Appeals Committee, especially at such a pivotal moment. My focus is clear: to ensure a fair, transparent and credible election process that upholds the highest standards of integrity,” said Chalamanda.

He added that he looks forward to working openly with stakeholders and handling any appeals with impartiality and respect for established rules.

“This is a chance for us to shine—showcasing professionalism and unity while making both Malawi and Cosafa proud,” he said.

Chalamanda further said he is ready to contribute to strengthening governance standards in regional football administration.

COSAFA is a regional football body that oversees the development and administration of the game in Southern Africa.

The organization was founded in 1997 and operates as a zonal union of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

COSAFA brings together 14 member associations from the Southern African region, including Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Lesotho, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros.

Its main objective is to promote football development in the region through competitions, governance support, and youth development programmes.

The organization’s flagship competition is the COSAFA Cup, an annual regional tournament featuring senior national teams from member countries.

Besides organising competitions, COSAFA also works to strengthen football administration, refereeing standards, and grassroots development across Southern Africa.

Woman arrested for stealing a baby

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Woman arrested for stealing a baby



By Rahim Abdul

Police in Mangochi over the weekend arrested a 26-year-old woman identified as Aisha Mary Wilson, who had been on the run for allegedly stealing her friend’s five-month-old baby girl. The incident occurred on March 18, 2026, near Katema Bus Depot.

According to police records, the suspect is currently on court bail after allegedly committing a similar offence in Makanjira in January this year.

The suspect and victim were once neighbours in Mangochi Township before the victim got married and relocated to her home village in Katema Area. It is alleged that the suspect continued monitoring the victim from a distance until she eventually gave birth in November last year.

Aisha Wilson



About a fortnight ago, Wilson convinced the victim to return to Mangochi town after promising her a job opportunity. Upon arrival, the victim stayed with Wilson for several days without being introduced to any job as earlier promised.

On the day of the incident, the victim decided to return home and the suspect offered to escort her to Katema Depot. Along the way, she asked to carry the baby, claiming she wanted to help the mother who had other luggage.

However, as they approached the depot, the suspect excused herself to answer the call of nature while carrying the baby and disappeared with the child.

After realizing that the suspect had vanished, the mother attempted to contact her and made inquiries within the area but failed to locate her, prompting her to report the matter to police later that night.

Following investigations, police traced and arrested the suspect in Chimwala Area, where she had been hiding, and rescued the stolen baby.

Meanwhile, the baby has been positively identified by the parents and referred to Mangochi District Hospital for medical examination.

Wilson has since been charged with child stealing, which contravenes section 167 of the Penal Code, and will appear before court after the completion of paperwork.

Wilson hails from Katema village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.

Mpinganjira demands discipline as Wanderers prepare for 2026/27 season

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Mpinganjira demands discipline as Wanderers prepare for 2026/27 season

By Chisomo Phiri

President of Mighty Wanderers FC, Thomson Frank Mpinganjira, has urged the club’s players to maintain discipline and increase their commitment as the team prepares for the upcoming football season.

Speaking during the 2026 Mighty Wanderers Presidential Ball Awards at Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre last night, Mpinganjira said the club is determined to build a stronger and more competitive team ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

Mpinganjira



“We do not want a situation where Wanderers struggles to match other teams on the field,” he said,expressing confidence that the club will return stronger in the coming campaign.

As part of efforts to strengthen the team, Mpinganjira also announced the appointment of Albert Mpinganjira as a strikers’ coach to help improve the club’s goal-scoring performance.

During the same event, Mpinganjira issued a stern warning to players regarding penalties, saying any player who refuses to take a penalty during matches will forfeit match bonuses for the entire season.

The club president said Wanderers will no longer tolerate players avoiding responsibility during crucial moments in matches.

“I do not want to see that happening again next season,” he said.

The warning follows incidents during the 2025 season in which some Wanderers players reportedly excused themselves from taking penalties at critical stages of major competitions.

The situations occurred during the final of the FDH Bank Cup against Silver Strikers FC and in the semi-final of the Castel Challenge Cup, matches that the Nomads eventually lost.

In 2025, the Nomads ended an eight-year top-flight league title drought.

Mponela United Crowned Inaugural National Bank Under-23 Cup Champions

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Mponela United Crowned Inaugural National Bank Under-23 Cup Champions


By Burnett Munthali

Mponela United of Dowa District have made history as the inaugural champions of the National Bank Under-23 Cup, defeating Karonga Reserve FC 3-2 on post-match penalties at Champions Stadium in Dowa.

The thrilling encounter ended 0-0 after regulation time, with Mponela United emerging victorious in the penalty shootout.

Coach Pasco Chirwa expressed his delight after the match, saying he was thrilled that his team had emerged champions. “It’s a proud moment for us, and we’re grateful to the players for their hard work and dedication,” Chirwa said.



The victory marks a significant achievement for Mponela United, who will walk away with K10 million in prize money.

Karonga Reserve FC, who finished as runners-up, will receive K4 million, while third-placed Kababa Academy from Zomba will take home K2 million.

National Bank of Malawi chief risk officer, Charles Ulaya, praised the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for organizing a successful tournament.

“The sponsors are impressed with how the tournament has been run, and we’re committed to continuing our support for Malawian football,” Ulaya said.

FAM president Fleetwood Haiya thanked National Bank of Malawi for believing in the association’s vision to transform the game.

The National Bank Under-23 Cup has got off to a flying start, and fans are eagerly anticipating the next edition. With the success of this tournament, the future of Malawian football looks bright.

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