The 2024 Airtel Top 8 Cup final between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday has made history by grossing a record-breaking K116.4 million in gate revenue.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya has announced this impressive figure on his Facebook page.
This marks the first time a domestic final has reached such a remarkable milestone.
With standard tickets priced at K5,000, the event drew a massive crowd.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets emerged victorious, clinching their third Airtel Top 8 title after defeating Silver Strikers 1-0, thanks to Ernest Petro’s 71st-minute goal.
Notably, Bullets are the first team to successfully defend the Cup since its inception in 2017, showcasing their exceptional skill and dedication.
Moyale Barracks Volleyball team on Saturday secured a spot in the finals of the K25 million Raiply National Volleyball tournament after a thrilling 3-1 victory over the reigning champions, Wolves.
The win came after a series of impressive performances, including a 3-1 defeat of Blue Eagles and Katoto Volleyball Team.
The team’s dominance was evident from the opening day, and their momentum has only continued to build.
In the semi-final showdown at Katoto Volleyball courts in Mzuzu City, Moyale Barracks faced off against Wolves, emerging victorious with a 3-1 win.
This sets them up for a thrilling final match against Blue Eagles, who secured their spot with a nail-biting 3-2 win over Lilongwe Spikers.
Meanwhile, Wolves will face Lilongwe Spikers in a do-or-die match to determine the bronze medal winner.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the tournament, and fans are eagerly awaiting the final matches.
Business magnate Dr. Thomson Mpinganjira has encouraged Malawians to consider engaging in livestock farming, particularly goats and cattle, as the country is reportedly struggling to meet its meat consumption needs.
Speaking at the launch of the modern Ekhaya Abattoir in Blantyre on Thursday, Dr. Mpinganjira emphasized that increasing livestock production would not only address domestic demand but also expand the country’s export potential, boosting foreign exchange earnings.
Mpinganjira
On his part, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for irrigation services,Geoffrey Mamba,supported Mpinganjira’s statement, highlighting the potential for job creation and improved food security.
The Ekhaya Abattoir, located in Mpemba, has the capacity to slaughter up to 150 cows per day.
Peter Pindani, a former striker for Silver Strikers FC, has openly criticized the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for appointing FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa as head coach of the Malawi national team. Pindani argues that Pasuwa, being a club coach for Bullets, should remain focused on his club responsibilities and questions FAM’s reasoning behind choosing a club-affiliated coach for the national team role.
“I think Kalisto Pasuwa is Bullets’ coach, and for this role, he should have just stayed with Bullets,” said Pindani. “I don’t understand why the FA has assigned him a position in the national team.”
Peter Pindani
Pindani also criticized what he sees as bias in Pasuwa’s player selections, claiming that this favoritism is something many Malawian fans dislike. He specifically took issue with the exclusion of key players such as Chimwemwe Idana and Stanley Sanudi, which he believes is unjustifiable and lacks merit.
“Look at his decisions—he’s dropped key players like Chimwemwe Idana for reasons that aren’t valid, maybe because Idana left Bullets under difficult circumstances. Today, he’s excluded from the national team. Players like Brighton Munthali and Stanley Sanudi are essential to the team, and without them, nothing meaningful will happen,” he said.
Pindani made these remarks during a football podcast with Hankey Chimtengo and Alfred Manyozo Jnr., where he emphasized that leaving out talented players weakens the national squad. He urged FAM to prioritize fairness and choose coaches who will objectively select players based on performance and skill, rather than personal preferences or club affiliations.
Pindani’s comments have sparked a lively debate among Malawian football fans. Some support his view, agreeing that the national team deserves a coach with undivided focus, while others feel Pasuwa’s experience could benefit the squad.
Newton Kambala, a prominent leader within the UTM Party and one of the contenders for the party’s top leadership, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support received from a diverse range of people during a recent fundraising event. The funds are intended to support the upcoming UTM convention, where the party will elect its leaders.
“I am truly grateful to see the level of support people have shown us during this crucial time as we raise the funds needed to hold our convention,” Kambala said. “I want to publicly thank everyone who has contributed and encourage all UTM supporters to continue supporting us. Our accounts will remain open until the day of the convention. We need significant funds to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he added.
Newton Kambala
In a symbolic gesture during the event, Kambala purchased a portrait of the late Saulos Klaus Chilima, former Vice President and UTM figure, for MWK 25.2 million. This act reflects the dedication and respect Kambala holds for UTM’s legacy, while also demonstrating his commitment to the party’s mission and future.
