The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has rolled out a nationwide elite referees training program aimed at improving officiating standards in the 2025 season.
The program, which began on April 21, 2025, in Mzuzu, targets elite referees from across the country.
FAM Executive Committee Member and Chairperson of the Referees Subcommittee, Patrick Kapanga, said the program aims to align referees with expected standards and introduce new developments in refereeing.
“These referees are on the elite list for this season. It is part of our commitment to capacity building and align with the Football Association of Malawi’s broader agenda of transforming the game,” Kapanga said.
The training sessions will benefit a total of 150 referees across the three regions.
Referees Manager Duncan Lengani highlighted the importance of the newly launched Code of Conduct for Referees, saying it will guide officials to operate professionally.
Northern Region referee representative David Chinoko appreciated the timing and value of the training, saying it will sharpen their knowledge of the laws of the game.
The training will proceed to the Central Region on April 24 in Salima and conclude in the Southern Region on April 29 in Blantyre.
Mighty Tigers registered their first win in this year’s TNM Super League season, beating Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Martin Nsewa and Precious Chiudza were on target for the Kau-Kau boys to get the much needed three points following their two consecutive loses against Ekhaya FC and Mighty Wanderers.
The visitors started the game very well as they managed to keep position and create a number of scoring opportunities.
Man of the match Precious Chiudza
Gift Magola almost found their back of the net in the 8th minute but his shot was brilliantly saved by Tigers goalkeeper Lucky Tizola .
Then the home side were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute after Dan Mponya handled the ball in the box and Martin Nsewa converted the spot-kick, beating Dedza goalkeeper Donex Mwakasinga.
Dedza continued tried their best to find an equaliser as substitute Frank Chikufenji provided good balls inside the box but his teammates still failed to find the back of the net.
The second half saw both sides playing a beautiful passing game but there was no goal until in the 73rd minute when Tigers found their second.
Precious Chiudza who was also voted man of the match, scored Tigers’ second goal after receiving an assist from Shukurani Afick to ensure maximum points for the home side.
In Karonga a lone goal from Joseph Mbaga was enough to give Chitipa United three points as they beat Ekhaya FC1-0 to move to the eighth position on the log table.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets remain top on the log table with 9 points and Songwe Border are anchoring the log table with no point after playing three games.
Ngunga FC are the champions of the Balaka Women’s Football Committee Easter Bonanza after beating Andiamo Madrid 2-1 at Balaka Stadium.
Four teams namely Ngunga FC, Blue Stars, Andiamo Madrid and Mpoto FC took part in the competition which was organised by Balaka Women’s Football Committee.
Ngunga beat beat Blue Stars 2-1 in a highly contested final match while Andiamo Madrid thumped Mpoto FC 6-0 to claim the third spot.
Ngunga FC comes from Disi area in the district and is sponsored by Idrissa Ngunga, South African-based business man who is also an aspiring member of parliament for the area.
Malawi joins the global community in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fourth United Nations Conference on Women, commonly known as the Beijing Conference.
The conference, held in Beijing, China, in 1995, was a landmark event that brought together world leaders to pledge their commitment to upholding the rights of women.
According to Maggie Kathewera Banda, Chairperson of the NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO GCN), Malawi has made significant progress in honoring these commitments.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Banda highlighted the strides the country has taken in promoting women’s leadership and empowerment.
Maggie Kathewera Banda
Over the past three decades, Malawi has witnessed a significant increase in women taking up top leadership roles in various sectors. Banda pointed out that this progress is a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women.
The composition of the current Cabinet is a notable example, with gender quotas for women being respected.
“The participation of women in decision-making positions is crucial for ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are represented,” Banda said. “We have seen women excel in various roles, from politics to business, and this is a positive indication that our efforts are bearing fruit.” She added.
While Malawi has made progress in promoting women’s rights, challenges still persist.
Banda acknowledged that despite the strides made, women continue to face obstacles in accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“There is still much work to be done to ensure that women have equal access to resources and opportunities,” Banda said,adding that,”We need to continue working together to address these challenges and create a more equitable society.”
The Malawi government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s rights and empowerment. President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has taken steps to address the challenges faced by women, including increasing access to education and healthcare.
The President’s commitment to peace and unity has also created a conducive environment for women to thrive.
In a recent statement, Chakwera emphasized the importance of promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, highlighting the government’s dedication to creating a more inclusive society.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have played a vital role in promoting women’s rights in Malawi.
The NGO GCN, in particular, has been instrumental in advocating for women’s empowerment and providing support to women in need.
Through partnerships with local and international organizations, NGOs have been able to provide critical services, including healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs.
These efforts have contributed significantly to the progress made in promoting women’s rights in Malawi.
As Malawi looks to the future, it is clear that promoting women’s rights and empowerment will remain a priority.
The country’s Vision 2063 agenda, which aims to transform Malawi into a wealthy and self-reliant nation, recognizes the critical role women will play in achieving this vision.
With the support of the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders, Malawi is poised to make further progress in promoting women’s rights and empowerment.
As Banda noted, “The journey to achieving gender equality is ongoing, and we must continue working together to ensure that women have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.”
Malawi’s progress in promoting women’s rights and empowerment is a testament to the country’s commitment to gender equality.
While challenges still persist, the strides made over the past three decades are a positive indication that efforts are bearing fruit.
With continued support from the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders, Malawi is poised to make further progress in promoting women’s rights and empowerment.
In a significant move to prioritize the wellbeing of its clergy, the Catholic Church’s Mangochi Diocese has launched a medical scheme for priests.
The initiative, launched on Easter Monday, aims to provide financial protection to priests in times of illness, ensuring they receive necessary medical care without undue financial burden.
Bishop Montfort Sitima of the Mangochi Diocese emphasized the importance of the medical scheme, stating, “As priests, we are not spared when it comes to sickness. This is why the diocese decided to resume what the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) had initiated by reintroducing this scheme.” The scheme’s launch marks a crucial step in supporting the health and wellbeing of priests in the diocese.
According to Bishop Sitima, some priests have struggled to access adequate medical care due to limited financial support from their parishes.
The medical scheme seeks to bridge this gap, ensuring priests receive timely and adequate medical attention.
Alexander Billy, Chairperson of the Laity Council for the diocese, noted that the absence of the scheme had made it challenging to assist priests in times of need. He added that the initiative will promote equity in supporting priests.
The medical scheme’s launch was celebrated during a fundraising ceremony held on Easter Monday.
The event marked the diocese’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of its clergy.
Bishop Sitima’s advocacy for the medical scheme underscores the diocese’s recognition of the valuable contributions priests make to the community.
*The importance of supporting priests*
Priests play a vital role in the Catholic Church, providing spiritual guidance and support to their communities.
Bishop Sitima’s emphasis on the medical scheme highlights the diocese’s appreciation for the dedication and hard work of its priests.
By investing in the health and wellbeing of its clergy, the diocese aims to enhance their ability to serve the community effectively.
*Challenges facing priests*
Priests in the Mangochi Diocese face various challenges, including limited financial resources and inadequate access to healthcare.
The medical scheme’s launch addresses one of the critical needs of priests, providing them with financial protection in times of illness.
This initiative is expected to improve the overall wellbeing of priests, enabling them to focus on their pastoral work.
*The role of the laity council*
The Laity Council has played a significant role in promoting the medical scheme’s launch.
Alexander Billy’s remarks highlighted the council’s commitment to supporting priests in need.
The council’s involvement underscores the importance of collaboration between the clergy and laity in promoting the wellbeing of priests.
*Conclusion*
The launch of the medical scheme for priests in the Mangochi Diocese marks a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s efforts to prioritize the wellbeing of its clergy. Bishop Montfort Sitima’s advocacy for the scheme highlights the diocese’s recognition of the valuable contributions priests make to the community.
As the diocese moves forward, it is expected that the medical scheme will play a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of priests, enabling them to continue serving their communities with dedication and compassion.
In related news, Bishop Sitima has previously emphasized the importance of investing in evangelization and promoting self-reliance among Catholics.
His commitment to the wellbeing of priests and the community is reflected in the diocese’s various initiatives, including the medical scheme.
