Wednesday, December 17, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 573

Mwanza Stadium Nears Completion, Set to Transform Local Community

0

By Shaffie A Mtambo

The Mwanza Stadium, a state-of-the-art sports facility, is nearing completion, with over 80% of the construction work already done. Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, expressed his satisfaction with the progress and quality of the construction work during a recent visit to the site.

The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 8,000, is expected to open in April this year. The facility is part of the government’s decentralization program, aimed at empowering local authorities through local revenue collection. The stadium’s construction has cost the government MK3.7 billion.



Local leaders have hailed the government for constructing the stadium, saying it has transformed the face of the district. Member of Parliament for Mwanza Central, Nicholas Dausi, noted that the stadium will provide a modern facility for the community, which is an entry point into the country.

The stadium is also expected to boost local revenue and create opportunities for small businesses during sporting activities. District Commissioner for Mwanza, Dr. Martha Magreta Sineta, commended the government for constructing the stadium, saying it will improve the livelihoods of people in the district.

In addition to the stadium, the government has pledged to construct a modern market and bus terminal in the district. These developments are expected to have a positive impact on the local community, promoting economic growth and improving living standards.

FAM Unveils 2025/2026 Football Competitions Calendar

0

By Shaffie A Mtambo

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has released  Football Competitions Calendar for the 2025/2026 season. The new season is set to kick off on March 29 with the Charity Shield match between TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers and Castel Challenge Cup winners Mighty Wanderers.

According to the calendar, the TNM Super League will commence on April 5, followed by the Airtel Top 8 on April 12. The season will conclude on February 28, 2026, with the Castel Challenge Cup final.

Gomezgani Zakazaka



FAM Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka highlighted the significance of the new calendar, which marks the beginning of a transition to align with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) calendar.


“We have now embarked on the calendar switch to align with CAF as well as most international Leagues. The 2025/2026 season will end in February 2026, and our goal is to fully align with CAF’s calendar by the start of the 2027/2028 season,”said Zakazaka.

The transition to the new calendar is expected to bring Malawian football in line with international standards, enhancing the country’s competitiveness in regional and global competitions.

Congolese protesters condemn capture of Goma, urge end to visit Rwanda sponsorships



By Twink Jones Gadama

Hundreds of Congolese protesters gathered outside BBC Broadcasting House in London to condemn the capture of Goma by the M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda’s military. The protesters also urged top European football clubs, including Arsenal, Bayern, and PSG, to end their Visit Rwanda sponsorships.

The capture of Goma, a strategic city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis. Over 400,000 civilians have been displaced in the past month alone, and nearly two million have been displaced in 2024.



The protesters, waving Congolese flags and holding signs, chanted slogans condemning the M23’s actions and Rwanda’s support for the group. They also called on the international community to take action to stop the violence and protect civilians.

“We are here today to condemn the capture of Goma and the ongoing violence in the DRC,” said one protester. “We urge the international community to take action to stop the M23 and Rwanda’s support for the group. We also call on Arsenal, Bayern, and PSG to end their Visit Rwanda sponsorships, which are helping to fund the M23’s activities.”

The protesters also criticized the Rwandan government’s role in the conflict, accusing it of providing military support to the M23. They called on the international community to hold Rwanda accountable for its actions.

“We are not just protesting against the M23, we are also protesting against Rwanda’s government, which is supporting the M23,” said another protester. “We urge the international community to take action to hold Rwanda accountable for its actions.”

The protest was peaceful, with police officers present to ensure public safety. The protesters dispersed after several hours, vowing to continue their campaign to raise awareness about the situation in the DRC and to pressure the international community to take action.

The capture of Goma has sparked widespread condemnation from the international community, with many calling for an immediate end to the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable.

In a statement, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs condemned the M23’s actions and called on all parties to deescalate immediately. They also urged the international community to take action to stop the violence and protect civilians.

The situation in the DRC remains dire, with hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced and many more affected by the violence. The international community must take action to stop the violence and protect civilians.

MNCS announces Malawi sports awards nominees

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) on Monday unveiled the top three nominees in each of the 13 categories for the Malawi Sports Awards.

The announcement was made during a press briefing held at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.

Speaking with journalists,MNCS Director of Marketing, Planning, and Infrastructure Services, Limbani Matola expressed gratitude to the national sports associations and sports journalists, through the Sports Writers Association of Malawi (SWAM), for submitting nominations.

Limbani Matola



Said Matola:”This year’s awards received an overwhelming number of nominations, indicating a strong partnership between the MNCS and the sports community.

“The nomination process involved three stages: nomination, shortlisting, and adjudication.A committee reviewed the nominations to ensure they met the minimum criteria for each category.The adjudication committee then selected the top three nominees in each category.

“The public can now participate in the voting process through a web-based portal   https://awards.malawisport.mw accessible on any phone with internet or WhatsApp.Voting starts today, and the public’s contribution will account for 30% of the total marks, while the judges’ marks will contribute 70%.”

Matola encouraged the public to vote for their favorite nominees, emphasizing that the process is merit-based.

This year’s Malawi sports awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 28, 2025 at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.

PDP stands firm against alliances ahead of September 16 Elections

0

By Burnett Munthali

The People’s Development Party (PDP) has reiterated its commitment to contesting the upcoming September 16 elections without forming alliances with other political parties. Despite the implications of the 50+1 voting system, the party remains confident in its strength and ability to compete independently.

Speaking at Mkanda Trade Centre in Mchinji, PDP Vice President Dr. Rose Sakala dismissed suggestions that the party would struggle without coalition partners. She asserted that PDP has the capacity to secure victory and effectively address the challenges facing Malawians without relying on external political alliances.

Dr Rose Sakala



Sakala emphasized that the party’s decision to remain independent is driven by its focus on the welfare of the people. “Our strength does not come from political deals but from the trust and support of the citizens. PDP is here to bring real solutions to the hardships people are facing,” she stated.

The remarks were made during a party meeting aimed at verifying and strengthening grassroots structures in preparation for the elections. The exercise, led by PDP President Kondwani Nankhumwa, underscores the party’s strategy of mobilizing direct voter support rather than seeking partnerships with other political forces.

With political alliances becoming a common feature in Malawian elections due to the 50+1 system, PDP’s decision to go solo sets it apart from many contenders. The system requires a presidential candidate to secure an absolute majority of votes, often compelling parties to join forces in order to increase their chances of winning. However, PDP remains unwavering in its stance, believing that its policies and leadership are enough to attract the electorate’s confidence.

As the campaign season intensifies, the party’s grassroots engagement efforts will be crucial in determining whether its independent strategy will resonate with voters. While some critics argue that refusing alliances could weaken its chances, PDP insists that its strength lies in direct voter appeal rather than political mergers.

With just months to go before the elections, all eyes will be on PDP to see whether its solo approach will translate into electoral success or if the party will reconsider its stance as the political landscape evolves.