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Tabitha Chawinga inspires teammates with gift

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By Rahim Abdul

Malawi women’s national football team captain, Tabitha Chawinga, has once again demonstrated her leadership both on and off the pitch after donating football boots to her teammates ahead of the Scorchers’ crucial WAFCON qualifier against Angola scheduled for this evening at 5 PM at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.

The gesture has sparked excitement and motivation among her teammates, who view the gift as a powerful symbol of unity and encouragement as they aim to secure a positive result in the first-leg encounter.



Tabitha’s act of generosity comes at a time when the Scorchers are looking to build momentum and confidence in their bid to qualify for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Team insiders say her initiative has lifted the mood in camp with several players expressing gratitude for the support from their captain.

This is not the first time the France-based forward has extended her generosity to fellow players. Over the years, Tabitha has been known for supporting local footballers, particularly young and upcoming talents in Malawi by donating kits, boots and other essential equipment to help nurture the game.

Currently playing for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in France, Tabitha continues to make her mark not only as one of Africa’s top strikers but also as a role model for women in sport. Her success story from humble beginnings in Malawi to starring on Europe’s grand football stages continues to inspire many.

As the Scorchers prepare to face Angola, expectations are high that the team will channel this positive energy into their performance on the pitch.

Malawi fans back home have also taken to social media to praise Tabitha for her continued dedication to national pride and women’s football development.

NBM plc fires up Scorchers ahead of AFCON qualifiers

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By Alfred Chauwa

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has reiterated its full support to the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, as they leave the country for Angola to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Thursday.

Speaking after seeing off the team at Bakili Muluzi International Airport in Blantyre on Tuesday, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa, said the Bank, as the official sponsor, is proud to stand behind the Scorchers and remains optimistic about their performance.



“We have all the faith in the Scorchers because they have shown that they are a force to reckon with on the pitch. They have given 100%, and as a sponsor, we are fully behind them,” said Hiwa.

Hiwa added that NBM plc employees, known internally as ‘Blue Hearts’, are united in their support for the Scorchers, with a series of internal and external initiatives planned to rally the nation behind the team.

“We are all rallying for them and will have a number of activities to show our support. This is not just about sponsorship; it’s about national pride and empowerment,” said Hiwa.

She emphasized that NBM plc’s investment in women’s football reflects the Bank’s broader obligation to grassroots development and inclusivity in sports.

“NBM plc was the first to sponsor a full tournament in the women’s league and the first to take up the Scorchers. We believe this provides a platform for the development of the sport and inspires young girls across Malawi to know that their dreams are valid.”

“This is more than sponsorship. It is about building a legacy that shows young Malawian girls that they too can rise to the world stage,” said Hiwa.

Hiwa urged the Scorchers to give their best performance at the tournament, saying the nation’s hopes and aspirations rest on their shoulders.

Meanwhile, the team’s coach Lovemore Fazili expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness after weeks of intensive training.

“We have touched every part of the game from goalkeeping to attack and I believe we are ready. I promise Malawians that when we go to Angola, we will bring good results,” said Fazili.

The Scorchers are scheduled to play the decisive return fixture on October 28 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

FCB boosts IPMM conference K3 million donation

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By Alfred Chauwa



Listed First Capital Bank (FCB) has extended financial support amounting to K3 million to the Institute of People Management Malawi (IPMM) ahead of its annual conference scheduled for October 23–25.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony on Wednesday, FCB’s Head of Human Resources Mpho Bwanali, said the Bank, whose operations thrive on people, recognises the importance of such conferences in strengthening the human resource profession.



“We are delighted to contribute and sponsor this annual conference. Human resources form the heart and backbone of every organisation. We believe that our contribution will go a long way in empowering HR professionals in the country,” she said.

Bwanali added that participation in the conference forms part of continuous professional development for the Bank’s employees.

“These forums help our staff to enhance their skills and evolve as future HR leaders who can make meaningful contributions in society,” she added.

In his remarks, IPMM Executive Director Willy Nkhoma expressed gratitude to FCB for the timely support, saying the sponsorship will go a long way in addressing logistical needs for the event.

“We are grateful for this sponsorship as it will help us manage the conference effectively. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with FCB in future initiatives,” said Nkhoma.

According to Nkhoma, this year’s IPMM annual conference is expected to draw at least 700 participants from across the country.

Counsel Ayuba James champions youth empowerment over handouts in Nkhotakota political race







By Burnett Munthali

A few months before the electoral commission officially opened the campaign season, I was in Nkhotakota working on establishing an irrigation scheme at our farm, N’thabi Farms and Produce.

While there, I drove to Linga to meet an irrigation field officer who was assisting with the setup of our system.

As I passed the Nkhotakota magistrate courts, I spotted Counsel Silvester Ayuba James standing alongside two police officers, dressed sharply in his black suit.

Though he appeared to be on official business, I knew he had already declared his candidacy for a parliamentary seat in his constituency.

Seeing him filled me with excitement—the political race was truly on!

Ayuba



As I drove by, I couldn’t help but shout at the top of my lungs, cheering, “Shikamo yanu mjomba, tiwonana bwino pa bwandilo!”

While other parliamentary aspirants in Linga and surrounding Nkhotakota constituencies were busy distributing K2,000 handouts to sway voters, James took a different approach.

He focused on empowering the youth in his area through initiatives designed to foster economic self-reliance, equipping them with skills to achieve financial independence.

Politicians often exploit the ultra-poor, using their economic vulnerability to manipulate votes.

No self-reliant farmer earning K5,000 a day would be swayed by a K2,000 handout unless greed clouds their judgment.

To transform the dynamics of our political landscape, we must start at the grassroots—within our constituencies.

We need to empower Malawians, particularly the ultra-poor, with programs that promote economic independence, not perpetuate dependency.

These initiatives should aim to graduate participants into self-reliance, not keep them as puppets.

This, I believe, aligns with the vision of a mindset shift championed by the late Dr. Saulos Chilima.

Congratulations, Counsel Ayuba! Go to parliament and represent your people with integrity.

One day, when I become the District Commissioner for Nkhotakota, we’ll sit down, share a drink in moderation, and explore more ways to transform our district.

As the saying goes, charity begins at home.

Winnie Odinga declares readiness to return home and serve Kenyans




By Burnett Munthali

“President Ruto, in case you are wondering, I’m ready to come back home and serve my people,” declared Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga and Ida Odinga.

Her bold statement has stirred national attention, symbolizing both resilience and a renewed sense of purpose following her father’s passing.

Winnie’s words reflect not only a personal conviction but also the continuation of a family legacy deeply rooted in Kenya’s democratic and political struggle.

Winnie Odinga



Born in 1990, Winnie has steadily risen as one of the most influential young voices in East African politics.

She currently serves as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representing Kenya since 2022, where she has played a key role in advancing youth empowerment, regional integration, and digital transformation.

Her declaration signals a strong intent to translate her regional experience into national service — a move many see as a step toward active political engagement in Kenya’s domestic affairs.

Winnie Odinga has long been recognized as the face of a new generation of leaders — bold, articulate, and digitally savvy — unafraid to challenge outdated political systems and advocate for inclusive governance.

Throughout her career, she has championed causes aligned with Pan-Africanism, gender equality, and the political inclusion of youth across the continent.

Her latest remarks, directed at President William Ruto, carry a tone of reconciliation, maturity, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s development.

Analysts view her statement as a potential precursor to a larger political comeback for the Odinga family, with Winnie emerging as a key voice in shaping Kenya’s future political direction.

Her readiness to “serve her people” resonates with many young Kenyans who have long admired her authenticity and leadership style, especially during her father’s campaigns, where she served as a communications strategist and youth mobilizer.

Winnie Odinga’s return to active service would mark a significant chapter in Kenya’s political narrative — one that bridges generational divides and renews the call for ethical, transformative leadership.

As the nation continues to mourn Raila Odinga’s passing, his daughter’s statement stands as both a tribute and a promise — a vow to carry forward the vision of a united, prosperous, and democratic Kenya.