FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have become the first team to defend the Airtel Top 8 Cup following their 1-0 victory over Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday afternoon.
Ernest Petro scored the only goal on the match with a powerful header in the 71st minute after receiving a cross from from Alick Lungu.
Silver Strikers started the game very well forcing Bullets to concede a corner kick in the 12th minutes which was taken by Uchizi Vunga but headed over the cross bar by Maxwell Paipi.
Zebron Kalima almost put Silver in front in the 26th minute but his shot was deflected for a second corner for Silver.
Four minutes later, Kalima came again with yet another chance following a blunder by Wongani Lungu but Bullets captain Gomezgani Chirwa cleared the ball to deny the home side the lead.
In the second half, Bullets introduced Maxwell Phodo replacing Ephraim Kondowe and Silver on the other hand, brought in Charles Chipala and Levison Maganizo for Binwell Katinji and Uchizi Vunga.
Bullets later on replaced Wongani Lungu with Lloyd Aaron in the 63rd minute.
Both sides looked well settled in the second half, creating a number of scoring opportunities but it was the People’s team who managed to find the back of the net through Petro in the 71st minute.
Following the goal, Silver Coach Peter Mponda replaced Zebron Kalima with Misheck Selemani in the 72nd minute and five minutes later Stain Davie replaced Chikondi Kamanga.
Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa also brought in Frank Willard and Yamikani Mologeni for Precious Phiri and goalscorer Ernest Petro.
Babatunde Adepoju almost made it 2-nil in the 85th minute after receiving a cross from Chikumbutso Salima but his header missed the goal post by a whisker.
Gift Chunga almost snatched a late equaliser for the central bankers but his attempt was cleared by Yamikani Mologeni in the added time.
Bullets have received MK 30 million for being crowned champions and Silver Strikers have pocketed MK 10 million as Runners-up.
The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports has organized the National Youth Summit of 2024 and Annual General Assembly from November 11th to 13th, ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Speaking during the press briefing on Friday in Lilongwe, NYCOM Executive Director Rex Chapota said the summit aims to bring together youth leaders across the nation to deliberate and discuss issues about young people and development, so that they can be part of Malawi’s journey towards 2063.
Chapota highlighted that the summit will address several issues at the heart of young people, including economic empowerment, employment, climate, governance, and elections.
Chapota said:”We have dedicated two sessions to deal with governance and elections, especially as we approach the 2025 general elections.”
He further explained that they will discuss the skills young people need to be voted into power and how they can be ambassadors of peace in the coming elections.
Chapota also disclosed that they are promoting and encouraging youth to take part in political office.
He said they are also relying on stakeholders to have a special fund for young aspirants to support them, as most young people who seek political office face challenges in terms of resources.
Added Chapota:”We hope that during this summit, we can rely on partners who can bring together a basket fund for young people, as there are over 500 aspirants who have indicated to seek office at different levels, and these young people need to be supported.”
He also mentioned that the summit will feature a Youth Cultural Festival, which will showcase young and upcoming artists and creatives identified through various means.
Chapota added that no less than four cabinet ministers will attend the summit and annual general assembly.
He said these include Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire, who will also be the guest of honor, Minister of Mining Monica Chayang’anamuno, Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule, and Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, who will also participate in relevant discussions.
The summit will be held under the theme “Renewed commitment towards Youth development on the journey 2063,” and 500 youths from all parts of the nation are expected to attend.
Bashir Al Bashir recently wrote a compelling piece on Malawi Voice, emphasizing the undeniable influence of Catholic bishops on Malawian politics. Indeed, Malawian bishops have long been a significant voice for democracy and justice, consistently guiding the nation in times of political turbulence and pushing for values that protect the welfare of Malawians. From their instrumental role in ushering in democracy in the 1990s to their recent critical stances, they continue to stand as advocates for positive change in Malawi.
1990-1994: Pioneers of democratic reform
The bishops have always aimed for the best for Malawi, and this was especially true during the pivotal period from 1990 to 1994. Their voices became symbols of courage when they spoke against the oppressive regime and demanded democratic reform. Through a powerful pastoral letter that criticized political abuses, they mobilized Malawians to strive for a fairer, more democratic system. Their influence laid the foundation for Malawi’s transition to a multi-party democracy, cementing their legacy as champions of human rights.
2018-2020: Advocates for accountability and transparency
In the lead-up to the 2020 elections, the bishops again played a critical role in demanding accountability and transparency from the government. They supported the popular call for change, giving the people a moral backbone in their fight for fair governance. However, once the new government was in place, some clergy members, who had supported the change, were accused of prioritizing their own interests over the nation’s needs, leaving many Malawians feeling betrayed. Nonetheless, the bishops’ intentions were clear—they wanted a better Malawi, with leadership that would uplift the citizens and meet their needs.
2022-Present: Disappointment with current leadership
In recent years, bishops have openly expressed disappointment with the current administration. From economic challenges to unfulfilled promises, the bishops have pointed out the government’s failure to improve the lives of Malawians. They have spoken about the worsening economic conditions and have urged the government to be accountable to its citizens.
In one powerful message, a bishop urged Malawians to vote responsibly in the upcoming elections: “Chaka chamawa, mukasankhe munthu oti atha kukwanitsa kuyendetsa dzikoli, kukonza chuma cha dzikoli, kusintha, kuchepetsa umphawi nkutukula miyoyo yanu.” This appeal, translated as “Next year, choose a leader who can steer this country, restore the economy, bring change, reduce poverty, and improve your lives,” reflects their deep concern for the nation’s future.
A quiet endorsement: Dr. Dalitso Kabambe as a promising leader?
With the country’s economic situation deteriorating, the bishops seem to recognize the need for a leader with the expertise and vision to reverse these troubling trends. Among the presidential hopefuls, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, has emerged as a favored candidate. Known for his track record in economic management from 2017 to 2020, Kabambe has demonstrated a capacity for prudent financial leadership, making him an appealing figure for those looking for stability and progress.
Many see this quiet “anointing” of Dr. Kabambe as an indication that the bishops believe he could guide Malawi toward economic recovery. Their endorsement seems to carry a message: Malawi needs a leader who has proven competence, someone who can lift the nation out of poverty and improve the lives of its citizens.
The Bishops’ role in the 2025 Elections
As Malawi prepares for the 2025 elections, the bishops’ influence remains a powerful force in shaping public opinion. Their consistent calls for transparency and economic reform echo the frustrations of many Malawians who feel let down by the current administration. Through their words and actions, they are urging voters to look beyond slogans and empty promises and to elect leaders with the experience and integrity needed to bring meaningful change.
Dr. Kabambe’s economic credentials have positioned him as a strong contender, and the bishops’ implicit support highlights a desire for knowledgeable leadership in this critical time. For Malawians, the bishops’ guidance is a reminder that the power to shape the future lies in their hands. As they head to the polls, their choice of leader could determine the trajectory of the nation and whether it finally achieves the progress and prosperity that so many yearn for.
By Vincent GundeThe Concerned Citizens of Malawi under the banner the People Power Movement, have written a letter to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera demanding for immediate dismissal of Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda and Secretary to the Treasury Professor Betchani Tcheleni.
The Concerned Citizens have claimed that the current state of the country’s economy has declined alarmingly since the appointment of Chithyola as Minister of Finance and Professor Tcheleni as Secretary to the Treasury.
They say Chithyola and Tcheleni have regrettably fallen short of the expectations required to steer the country toward economic recovery and growth demanding fresh and capable leaders who will prioritize the welfare of the people.
In a letter dated 7th November, 2024 signed by two activists Comrades Edwards Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma, the Concerned Citizens have urged President Chakwera to take decisive action by dismissing the two from their respective positions and bring in those that possesses the expertise needed to steer the economy back on course.
Chithyola and Tchereni
In the letter, the Concerned Citizens have given President Chakwera a two-week period to make the necessary changes with a warning that should their plea go unheeded, they are prepared to organize a peaceful vigil at Capital Hill to further express their concerns.
“We have seen no substantial initiatives from the Finance Ministry to address these pressing issues that have rocked the country,” reads the letter in part.
The Concerned Citizens have claimed that Mr. Chithyola Banda’s inexperience and limited connections outside the Ministry, have hindered his ability to address the complex economic challenges the country is facing.
They say Malawians have suffered through an unprecedented rate of inflation, fuel shortages, and skyrocketing costs of living leaving the citizens struggling to afford basic necessities, with no tangible solutions.
The Citizens say instead, the hardships have only been worsened by in effective fiscal policies, questionable financial decisions and lack of accountability that has deepened the crisis noting with a great concern that Professor Tcheleni’s impact on tackling the country’s financial challenges, remain minimal.
Political activist and long -time friend of the country’s Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, has advised Dr. Usi not to submit letters of expressing his interest to stand as a UTM president at the party’s elective conference slated for 17th November, 2024 in Mzuzu for a better tomorrow.
Kalindo has thanked Dr. Usi for taking a strong decision of not submitting his credentials till this day beside the date of submission of such letters extended to 10th November, 2024 saying this alone, is protecting his legacy and integrity.
Dr Michael Usi
He has encouraged Dr. Usi to go to the UTM Convention to make a key note address to the delegates and announcing leave of the party for Malawians and the future generations to come to remember him that there was one statesman-Dr. Michael Usi.
Speaking through an audio clip circulating in various social media platforms, Kalindo has also advised Dr. Usi not to obtain a court injunction stopping UTM Convention for flouting the party’s Constitution warning him that once he does this, he will be regarded as an enemy of progress in the UTM Party.
Kalindo has appealed to Dr. Usi to leave the UTM Presidency to others, saying he has done a lot for the party, he is more than a president expressing hope that he has studied people and one day, he will shock the nation.
He said by now, Dr. Usi has come to know who are his best friends in both UTM and MCP advising him not to trust the MCP saying MCP is the same today as it was during the reign of Ngwazi Dr. Kamuzu Banda where all of their critics were regarded as enemies of the state.
The activist has assured Dr. Usi that not all in the MCP are happy that he is Vice President of the Republic running government shoulder to shoulder with President Chakwera claiming that the enemy is from within the MCP itself.
“Keep your legacy and not let it to be destroyed, your success is my success and your downfall is my downfall too, we are brothers in drama circles and district of origin, Mulanje,” said Kalindo.
Meanwhile, Kalindo said he and the Malawi First Movement have endorsed the resolutions made by four opposition parties UDF, DPP, AFORD and UTM to say ‘NO’ to SMARTMATIC machine in the 2025 elections and impending demonstrations on the 13th November, 2024.
Kalindo said he would have loved all opposition political parties mobilizing people from all the 29 districts across the country to come to Lilongwe for one big demonstration saying this will sent a strong warning to President Chakwera and his MCP that enough is enough with the MCP.
