Football – Face of Malawi

Andre Onana set for extended Trabzonspor loan from Manchester United

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:45:54 +0000

Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement with Trabzonspor over a new loan deal for goalkeeper André Onana.

The Cameroonian spent last season on loan with the Turkish club and is now expected to return for another campaign. Onana had been due to report for preseason training at Carrington after his previous loan expired.

However, reports indicate he was informed by United officials in May that he is not part of head coach Michael Carrick’s plans for next season.

The 30-year-old remains under contract with Manchester United until 2028. Negotiations between the two clubs are said to be at an advanced stage, with an agreement expected soon.

Onana’s return to Trabzonspor would allow him to continue playing regular first-team football. Manchester United are meanwhile expected to strengthen their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.

Renard Back in African Football as Tunisia Name New Coach

Edgar Naitha — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:06:34 +0000

Tunisia have appointed Hervé Renard as their new head coach following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi.

The Tunisian Football Federation acted quickly after Tunisia’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden, turning to one of Africa’s most accomplished coaches to lead the team.

Renard, who previously guided Zambia’s Chipolopolo and enjoyed success across the continent, has signed a contract that will keep him in charge until the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The French tactician is expected to begin work immediately, with his first day in charge set for this evening.

Discussions over a longer-term agreement are scheduled to take place after the tournament.

FINCA Malawi dresses SRFL teams ahead of the league launch in Mwanza

Robert Ngwira — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:32:51 +0000

Sponsors of the Southern Region Football League, Finca Malawi has officially presented sets of uniforms and match balls to all the 16 teams ahead of the League launch this coming Sunday at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza.

Finca Malawi has spent MK52 million in procuring the jerseys and the match balls.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Mpila Village in Chiwembe, Finca Malawi Chief Commercial Officer Madalitso Jonas said the company has donated the equipment to ease the pressure to teams’ officials.

“Most of the teams in the country are struggling so we thought it wise to help them with the match balls and jerseys and all we want from the players is to enjoy the games and at the same time interact with officials from Finca Malawi.

“The official launch is set for this coming Sunday in Mwanza and as Finca we have arranged a number of activities which will be spiced up by a live performance from Gibo Pearson,” said Jonas.

SRFA Chairperson Dyless Kachala commended Finca for the gesture, saying this is the first time in the history of the league for a sponsor to dress all the teams.

Finca is investing K100 million into the league.

Creck SC Suspends Coach Elia Kananji After Poor Start to Season

Evance Kapito — Mon, 18 May 2026 09:38:50 +0000

Creck Sporting Club has suspended head coach Elia Kananji and assistant coach Harrison Saidi with immediate effect following the team’s poor start to the 2026 FDH Bank Premiership season.

In an official statement released on May 17, 2026, the club confirmed the suspension of the two coaches, saying further updates will be communicated in due course.

Kananji joined Creck Sporting Club last year after the sudden dismissal of former coach Joseph Kamwendo and his backroom staff.

Before joining Creck, Kananji had resigned from Blue Eagles to take up the head coach role at the club.

The suspension comes after a disappointing start to the new FDH Bank Premiership campaign, with Creck managing just one win, two draws and one loss in four matches.

The club currently sits ninth on the league table.

Tiya Somba-Banda Returns to Mighty Wanderers Board After 9 Months

Evance Kapito — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:18:53 +0000

After nine months away, Tiya Somba-Banda has returned to the Board of Directors of Mighty Wanderers FC, popularly known as the Nomads.

Somba-Banda, who stepped down from his role in July 2025, confirmed his return on April 8, saying the decision came following a call from the club’s leadership, which he accepted.

His return is seen by many as a significant boost for the Nomads as they continue efforts to strengthen the club’s structure and performance.

In a statement, Somba-Banda expressed his excitement about rejoining the board and contributing to the club’s future.

“I’m honored to return to the Board of Directors of Mighty Wanderers Football Club at such an exciting time in its journey. This club holds a special place in my heart, and I’m proud to once again have the opportunity to contribute to its growth, governance, and long-term vision,” he said.

He also thanked club president Thom Mpinganjira for the trust shown in him.

“I am grateful to the President, Thom Mpinganjira, for the opportunity and consideration among other capable Mighty diehards out there,” he added.

Somba-Banda’s return comes at a time when the Nomads are looking to rebuild and reclaim their competitive edge in Malawian football.

Update: Senegal to file appeal over AFCON title strip

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:01:59 +0000

Senegal’s football authorities have announced plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the nation was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title.

“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” the federation said in a statement.

Senegal had originally won the match, with Pape Gueye scoring the winner in extra time, but controversy arose when the team walked off the pitch during the regular 90 minutes.

They protested after Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed and Morocco was awarded a late penalty following VAR intervention.

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw appeared to urge his side to leave the field, and they returned about 15 minutes later, after which Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty.

The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) later ruled Senegal had forfeited the game, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations that penalize teams leaving the field without referee permission.

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will, as soon as possible, file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” the statement added.

FDH Bank Takes Over Super League Sponsorship; Nomads The “Alpha and Omega” of the TNM Era

Evance Kapito — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:14:52 +0000

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) have announced a landmark K5 billion sponsorship deal with FDH Bank Plc, marking the most significant commercial shift in the history of the country’s elite football league.

The announcement follows the departure of long-term sponsor Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM). Starting from the 2026 season, the competition will be rebranded as the FDH Bank Premiership.

The new partnership represents a staggering increase in the league’s market value. According to FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, the league was valued at K100 million just three years ago. The new K5 billion injection is expected to accelerate the league’s “Revive, Reform, and Rebrand” agenda.

The financial breakdown for the 2026 season includes:

Champions Prize: K200 million
Runners-up: K100 million
Club Subvention: K320 million (total allocation for teams)
Sports Equipment: K72 million
Administration: K80 million
Individual Awards: K8 million
Disciplined Supporters Award: K2 million

“This is a strong endorsement of our vision,” Haiya stated. “It confirms that the football transformation agenda is firmly on course, with even more anticipated progress ahead.”

As the league transitions to this lucrative new chapter, Mighty Wanderers have secured a unique place in Malawian football folklore as the “beginning and the end” of the TNM era.

The Nomads have officially bookended the 19-year sponsorship history of the previous league:

The First: In 2006, under the tutelage of the late Rahman Gumbo, Wanderers became the inaugural winners of the TNM-sponsored Super League.
The Last: In 2025, under coach Bob Mpinganjira, they have been crowned the final champions of the TNM Super League Championship.

As Wanderers celebrate their historic 2025 title, the focus now shifts to the 2026 season, where teams will battle for the richest prize ever offered in Malawian domestic football.

FAM Fines FCB Nyasa Big Bullets K5 Million, Bans Player for 12 Months Over Misconduct in FDH Blantyre Derby

Evance Kapito — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:31:41 +0000

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM), through its Disciplinary Committee, has ordered FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to pay K5 million following unruly behavior by some of their officials and players during the FDH Bank Cup match against Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

As part of the ruling, FAM has also suspended Bullets defender Thomson Chauluka from participating in any football-related activities for 12 months. Chauluka reportedly threw liquid substances at Mighty Wanderers’ goalkeeper Dalitso Khunga during the match, causing a temporary halt to the game.

In addition, Bullets have been fined K2 million for failing to prevent the defender’s misconduct. FAM has given the club 72 hours to respond to the ruling.

The disciplinary action underscores FAM’s commitment to promoting fair play and ensuring discipline in Malawian football.

Photo Credit: MH Photography

Bullets Players Fall Sick During Match Against Creck Sporting After Eating Lunch at Hotel in Lilongwe

Evance Kapito — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:12:07 +0000

Several FCB Nyasa Big Bullets players reportedly complained of stomach problems during their TNM Super League match against Creck Sporting Club, following a lunch meal they had earlier at a hotel in Lilongwe.

Team Chief Administrative Officer Albert Chigoga confirmed the development, saying some players alerted the technical panel during the match that they were feeling unwell due to the food they had eaten earlier in the day.

Chigoga added that the club has launched an inquiry to establish what exactly happened with the meal served to the players.

The match, played at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji, ended 2-0 in favour of Creck Sporting Club.

Former Flames Star ‘Esau Kanyenda’ Diagnosed With Liver Cancer in the UK

Evance Kapito — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:11:27 +0000

Former Malawi national team striker Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda has revealed that he has been diagnosed with liver cancer in the United Kingdom, where he is currently based.

In a brief message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, the 43-year-old appealed for support, writing: “I’m fighting this. I need your prayers.”

Kanyenda, one of Malawi’s most celebrated exports, enjoyed an illustrious career playing for top international clubs such as FC Locomotive Moscow in Russia and Polokwane City FC in South Africa. Locally, he turned out for Dwangwa United and Mighty Wanderers.

Following his announcement, social media has been flooded with messages of encouragement and well-wishes as fans, fellow athletes and the wider football community rally behind him in his fight for recovery.

Late DRC Goal Ends World Cup Hopes for Mbeumo and Onana

Evance Kapito — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:26:20 +0000

Cameroon will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to secure qualification, following a dramatic 1-0 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Chancel Mbemba broke the hearts of Cameroonian fans with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+1 minute, sealing their elimination from the qualifying race.

This means top stars such as André Onana and Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United will not feature at the 2026 World Cup.

With the result, DR Congo, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1974, now advance to the final playoff round where they will face Nigeria, who defeated Gabon 4-1 yesterday.

The winners of the playoff will then compete against teams from other confederations including Asia, South America, Oceania, the Caribbean, and North & Central America for the final two available spots at the World Cup.

FAM Rewards Players K1.5 Million Each After Historic WAFCON Qualification over Angola

Evance Kapito — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:25:59 +0000

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, The Scorchers, have made history by qualifying for the 2026 Morocco Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time ever after defeating Angola 2–0 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Monday.

The victory, which saw Faith Chimzimu score both goals, secured Malawi’s spot in the continental tournament and sparked nationwide celebrations.

Following the triumph, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President, Fleetwood Haiya, announced that each player and member of the technical panel will receive K1.5 million as a reward for the team’s outstanding performance tripling the initial bonus of K500,000.

Speaking during a celebratory dinner hosted at The Forty Four Hotel in Lilongwe, Haiya said the association decided to increase the bonus to recognize the players’ hard work and to motivate them ahead of future competitions.

He also conveyed a congratulatory message from President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who praised The Scorchers for making the nation proud and proving that Malawi can produce world-class talent in various fields, including sports.

“The First Lady and I are proud of this achievement. To the passionate fans who filled the stands at Bingu National Stadium and to Malawians across the country thank you for your cheers, applause, and most importantly, your belief in our stars,” the President wrote on his official Facebook page.

Meanwhile, The Forty Four Hotel has also gifted K50,000 to each player for their historic qualification.

Two Suspects Arrested for Repeated Shop Break-ins in Lilongwe

Evance Kapito — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:16:51 +0000

Police in Chiwamba, under Kanengo Police Station in Lilongwe, have arrested two people suspected of being behind a series of theft incidents in the area.

According to Kanengo Police spokesperson Gresham Ngwira, the suspects have been identified as Mayankho Kanyemba, aged 26, and a 17-year-old boy.

Ngwira said the two are believed to have been involved in several theft cases, citing incidents that occurred in September and October 2025 as examples.

“On September 29, 2025, the two allegedly broke into a shop belonging to Foster Mtengo and went away with hardware items valued at K550,000. Again, on October 20, 2025, they are suspected to have broken into the same shop and stolen assorted items worth K700,000,” said Ngwira.

Following investigations, police arrested Kanyemba, who later claimed that he had bought the stolen goods from the 17-year-old boy.

Ngwira added that Kanyemba, who has since been released on bail, is being charged with receiving stolen property, while the 17-year-old suspect is facing a burglary and theft charge.

Mighty Wanderers Humble FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 3–0 in Blantyre Derby

Evance Kapito — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:52:25 +0000

Supporters of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have expressed disappointment but acknowledged the dominance of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who thrashed their rivals 3–0 in a thrilling Blantyre Derby played on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Kamuzu Stadium.

The match saw Wanderers’ forward Adam Wallace open the scoring in the first half before Blessings Singini sealed the victory with a stunning brace in the second half.

Singini’s first goal came in the 76th minute after he unleashed a powerful 22-yard strike that smashed against the upright before finding the back of the net a goal worthy of the derby stage. His second came moments later, capitalizing on a costly defensive mistake by Andrew Jovinala to slot home calmly past goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu.

The defeat left the Bullets’ defense in total disarray and their supporters silenced, while the blue half of Kamuzu Stadium erupted in jubilation as Wanderers fans celebrated what many described as one of the club’s most commanding derby performances in recent years.

The two teams are set to meet again this weekend in the FDH Bank Cup semifinal, promising another heated encounter between Malawi’s biggest football rivals.

Wanderers Set Up Blantyre Derby with Bullets After Penalty Shootout Win Against Creck Sporting

Evance Kapito — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:54:13 +0000

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have booked their spot in the semifinals of the FDH Bank Cup after edging Creck Sporting Club 3–2 on post-match penalties at Aubrey Dimba Stadium on Sunday.

The tightly contested match ended goalless in regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Wanderers goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa emerged as the hero of the day, saving three penalties to guide his side to victory.

Khungwa denied Emmance Nyirenda’s effort after Blessings Mwalilino successfully converted for Wanderers, sealing the Nomads’ place in the last four.

The win sets up a mouthwatering Blantyre derby as Wanderers will face arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who beat Kamuzu Barracks 2–1 at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.

Bullets Gear Up for Silver Strikers Clash at Kamuzu Stadium

Evance Kapito — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:45:27 +0000

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach Peter Mponda says his side is ready to deliver a positive result against rivals Silver Strikers in the much-anticipated showdown scheduled for this Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Mponda expressed confidence in his squad, noting that all players are fit and available for selection except for Chrispin Mapemba, who is nursing an injury.

Meanwhile, the club’s Chief Administrative Officer, Albert Chigoga, said preparations for the match including security arrangements are progressing well. He assured fans of a safe and entertaining encounter, warning supporters against engaging in violence or disorderly conduct.

The club has also announced ticket prices for the fixture. Fans who buy in advance will pay K5,000 for the open stands and K15,000 for VIP, while those purchasing on match day will pay K7,000 and K20,000, respectively.

Ousmane Dembélé Wins 2025 Ballon d’Or, Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga Makes Historic Top 20

Evance Kapito — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 03:37:09 +0000

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé has won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, edging Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to claim the biggest individual prize in football.

In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí once again took home the award after another outstanding season.

Malawi celebrated history as Temwa Chawinga ranked 17th in the Women’s Ballon d’Or, the highest-ever finish for a Malawian footballer. The striker, who plays for Kansas City Current in the US NWSL, earned her place among the world’s best following an electrifying year of performances.

Chawinga featured alongside global stars including Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Spain’s Alexia Putellas, further highlighting her rise on the international stage.

Wanderers Take First Blood in CAF Confederation Cup Clash With Galaxy

Evance Kapito — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:51:59 +0000

Mighty Wanderers FC secured a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy FC on Sunday, September 21, in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe

The Nomads left it late, with captain Felix Zulu netting the decisive goal in the 80th minute to hand the Malawian giants their first win in this year’s continental campaign.

Speaking after the match, Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira praised his side for their hard work and resilience against an experienced Galaxy outfit.

“I must commend my boys for working very hard. Yes, we missed opportunities, but the performance was great considering the fact that our opponents are a good side with recent experience on the continental stage,” said Mpinganjira.

When asked whether he regretted settling for a single goal, which could leave Wanderers vulnerable in the return leg, Mpinganjira remained optimistic.

“It’s football such things happen. We just need a good game plan in Botswana, perhaps get another goal. For now, let us commend the boys for the gallant fight,” he added.

The Nomads are set to travel to Francistown, Botswana, later this week ahead of the return leg scheduled for September 27, 2025.

A positive result away from home would see Wanderers progress to the next round of the competition and mark a significant step in their continental ambitions.