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Semifinals draw sets mood for NBM Under-23 Championship

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Semifinals draw sets mood for NBM Under-23 Championship

By Linda Kwanjana

The NBM Under-23 Championship has reached its final stages following the draw for the semi-final fixtures involving four regional champions, with matches scheduled for March 20, and the final on March 22, 2026 at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.

According to the draw, QPL Stars will face Mponela United FC, while Karonga Reserves will take on Kababa Academy to produce the finalists.



Speaking after the draw in Blantyre, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Mphepo-Hiwa said the tournament reflects the bank’s commitment to developing football and creating a transition pathway for young players into senior teams.

“The NBM Under-23 championship has successfully bridged the gap between the youth and senior football, nurturing talented players who are ready to progress to adult leagues,” said Mphepo-Hiwa.

She added that the tournament offers attractive prize money, with the champions set to receive K10 million, while the runners-up K4 million and the third-placed team K2 million.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Competitions and Licensing Manager, Clement Kafwafwa commended NBM plc for introducing the Under-23 Championship, saying it has helped close the age gap in football competitions.

“The competition has showcased emerging talent and will strengthen Malawi’s football development pipeline. Many players have progressed through the U-23 level and are gaining opportunities to represent the national team,” said Kafwafwa.

The NBM Under-23 Championship, which began in 2025, has more than 1,700 matches played under a K500 million sponsorship from National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc.

Mwanamveka off the hook, not involved in the Amaryllis Hotel  deal

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Mwanamveka off the hook, not involved in the Amaryllis Hotel  deal

By Linda Kwanjana

Minister of Finance is not involved in the dubious controversial sale of the five Star Amaryllis Hotel. Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka in his capacity under the Government protocal and setup does not interfere on the payment of the independent organization let alone  controversial Amaryllis Hotel.

This is the same reason that while addressing Parliament,  Minister of Information Shadric  Namalomba urged the public to stop blaming the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government for the purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel, saying the process began in 2023 during the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration.

Mwanamveka



Namalomba made the remarks following a presentation by MCP spokesperson on Finance, Economic Affairs and Decentralisation, Peter Dimba, during his contribution to the national budget debate in Parliament.

According to Namalomba, it is incorrect to hold the DPP government responsible for the hotel purchase, as the process was initiated before the party assumed power.

He further explained that the Minister of Finance has no direct role in managing pension funds, noting that the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) operates as an independent institution.

Namalomba added that the Minister of Finance is therefore not responsible for the payments involved in the purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel.

The sale of Amaryllis Hotel has sparked controversy, with allegations of irregularities and overpricing. The hotel was bought by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) for K128.7 billion, nearly triple the initial valuation of K47 billion in 2023. The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has ordered the reversal of the purchase, citing disobedience of directives and breach of financial laws .

The deal has raised questions about transparency and accountability, with some arguing that the price increase was due to factors like inflation and devaluation of the kwacha. The government has asked Parliament to scrutinize the deal, and investigations are ongoing.

The PSPTF boards have defended their actions, saying decisions were based on professional advice and proper procedures. However, critics argue that the purchase was not commercially sound, given the hotel’s losses and reliance on government business.

New Leadership Sparks Hope at Goshen City Dedza Dynamos as Yumbe Urges Unity

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New Leadership Sparks Hope at Goshen City Dedza Dynamos as Yumbe Urges Unity


By Rahim Abdul

The dawn of a new chapter has emerged at Goshen City Dedza Dynamos FC following the successful election of a fresh Executive Committee, a development that has sparked renewed optimism among supporters and stakeholders ahead of the upcoming football season.

Founder and Patron of the club, Lewis Yumbe Msukwa, has called on the newly elected leadership to embrace unity and work collectively towards strengthening the team’s vision and ambitions.

Yumbe made the remarks on Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly after the club concluded its elections that ushered in a new Executive Committee led by Gerald Kampanikiza as Chairperson.

In his remarks, Yumbe assured the committee of his unwavering support, emphasizing that he will not interfere with their operations but expects them to remain united as they steer the club forward.

Msukwa



“I will fully support them, but I will not interfere in their work. What is important is for them to remain united for the good of the team,” said Yumbe.

He further explained that the decision to conduct elections was intentional, as he wanted supporters and stakeholders to freely choose leaders they trust to guide the club.

According to Yumbe, the elections mark a historic moment for the club as it is the first time such a process has been conducted since Goshen City Dedza Dynamos earned promotion to the elite league in 2021 before making their debut in 2022.

He expressed satisfaction with the development, noting that the democratic process is expected to strengthen the club’s governance structure and ultimately improve team performance.

Overseeing the electoral process was former Super League of Malawi (SULOM) Executive Member Charles Manyungwa, who commended the club for allowing supporters to actively participate in selecting their leaders.

Manyungwa described the move as a positive step in promoting transparency and democracy within football administration, particularly as the team prepares for the new season.

In his acceptance speech, newly elected Chairperson Gerald Kampanikiza pledged to serve with integrity and dedication, promising to honor the trust that supporters have placed in him and his team.

Kampanikiza will be deputized by Benito Kazika as Vice Chairperson, while Mabvuto Mugode will serve as the club’s General Secretary, alongside committee members Hazwell Gamphani, Lloyd Kachiwanda, Mr Mkundura, Blessings Soko, Hassan Phiri, Chimwemwe Sungani, Fanizo Magodi, Felix Madukani, Dalitso Kadam’manja, Charity Kabango and Jean Machemba.

Former Flames Striker Russell Mwafulirwa Returns to National Team Setup

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Former Flames Striker Russell Mwafulirwa Returns to National Team Setup



By Rahim Abdul

Malawi National Football Team head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has brought a familiar face back into the Flames camp after appointing former striker Russell Mwafulirwa as the team’s new forwards coach ahead of the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Botswana.

The appointment marks a significant return for Mwafulirwa, a player who once led Malawi’s attacking line with determination and skill during his time with the national team.

Pasuwa believes the former striker’s experience and understanding of the role will be crucial in sharpening the Flames’ attacking force as the team prepares for the international tournament.

Mwafulirwa enjoyed a notable playing career with the Flames, making 42 appearances for Malawi and scoring nine goals during his time representing the nation.

His return to the national team environment is expected to inspire the current generation of strikers, many of whom grew up watching him lead the attack for Malawi.

Pasuwa and Mwafulirwa


At club level within the country, Mwafulirwa built a strong reputation while playing for Silver Strikers, where he became one of the club’s key attacking players.

Beyond Malawi, he also gained valuable international experience after playing for clubs such as Jomo Cosmos and Ajax Cape Town in South Africa.

Mwafulirwa further expanded his football journey in Europe, featuring for IFK Norrkoping in Sweden, where he competed at a higher level and developed his understanding of modern attacking football.

His diverse playing career across different leagues is expected to bring valuable tactical insight to the Flames’ technical panel.

The Flames are currently preparing for the Four Nations Tournament scheduled to take place in Botswana, which will serve as an important platform for testing the team’s readiness.

Three other countries will compete alongside Malawi in the tournament, namely Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Vice President’s Residence in Limbo: A Story of Bureaucratic Delays

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Vice President’s Residence in Limbo: A Story of Bureaucratic Delays


By Burnett Munthali

The official residence of Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah, has been lying vacant for over four years, a victim of neglect and bureaucratic red tape. Principal Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, Eric Yesaya, has shed light on the reasons behind Dr. Ansah’s decision not to occupy the residence in Area 12.

The house, which is supposed to be the Vice President’s official abode, has been uninhabitable since 2020 due to extensive damage caused by previous occupants. Despite repeated requests for funding to renovate the property, the process has been bogged down by delays and a lack of funds. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the budget for renovations was not allocated, despite a proposal being submitted by the Office of the Vice President.

Ansah



According to Yesaya, when Dr. Ansah was sworn in, she found the house to be in a deplorable state and opted to stay in her personal house instead. The Office of the Vice President then approached the Ministry of Lands and Housing to look for alternative accommodation, but the rentals quoted were deemed “unrealistically high” by the Vice President. The rentals for three identified houses ranged from K7 million to K15 million, a cost that was considered prohibitive.

The estimated cost of renovating the Area 12 residence has been a contentious issue, with initial assessments putting it at K2.3 billion, a figure that was later deemed excessive. A revised assessment put the cost at K820 million, but funding was not released. Yesaya attributes the delay to the government’s inability to complete the renovations, rather than any refusal on the part of the Vice President to occupy the house.

The Vice President’s decision to remain in her personal house, despite being entitled to official accommodation, speaks volumes about her commitment to accountability and prudent use of government resources. By choosing to stay in her own home, Dr. Ansah is demonstrating a willingness to prioritize the interests of the nation over personal comfort, a move that is likely to resonate with many Malawians.

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