Tag Archives: 2026/27 Malawi’s football season

Sports

Masters FC impress in Pre-season victory

Maravi Post Reporter Leave a comment

….Masters 4-0 Zitha

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Newly promoted FDH Premiership side Masters Football Club continued their preseason preparations in style with a commanding 4-0 victory over NBS Bank National Division League outfit Namitete Zitha at Bingu National Stadium on Wednesday morning.

Masters showcased their attacking strength and defensive discipline throughout the match, dominating proceedings against their lower-league opponents.

The emphatic win adds to growing optimism among supporters as the team gears up for life in the top flight.

Despite the convincing result, Head Coach Peter Mponda was quick to downplay the significance of the scoreline, stressing that the technical panel remains focused on performance rather than outcomes at this stage of preparation.

“The result should not be a litmus test for the team,” said Mponda. “As a technical panel, we cannot afford to be overly satisfied. Our main focus is to continue assessing the team’s aggression in attack, scoring efficiency, and overall defensive organization.”

Mponda emphasized that preseason matches are primarily an opportunity to evaluate player readiness, tactical execution, and areas requiring improvement ahead of the new season.

Masters FC will be looking to build on this performance as they continue their preseason schedule, with the ultimate goal of establishing themselves as a competitive side in the FDH Premiership.

The hosts made a blistering start, taking the lead as early as the 3rd minute through Patrick Phiri with a simple tap in from a close range after a well-delivered cross by Frank Sanudi.

The home team doubled their lead just five minutes later through Chikaiko Batison who produced a moment of individual brilliance.

The forward surged from deep inside the opposition half before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Goalkeeper.

After the break, Masters maintained control and continued to pass forward. Mabuchi Msiska extended the lead in the 58th minute, finishing confidently after being set up by Stain Davie.

Masters completed the scoring in the 71st minute through Philimon Ndhlovu who capped off a neat team move with a composed finish inside the box.

Namitete Zitha FC head Coach Martin Mkamanga acknowledged the defeat attributing it to lack of match fitness since the team has just regrouped.

Masters has played twelve preseason games this far, registering six wins, five draws and two losses against Chitipa United FC and Karonga United FC.

Sports

Bullets prioritize preparation over results in off season friendlies

Shaffie A Mtambo Leave a comment

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have emphasized that their off-season friendly matches are not about winning but about building a strong and competitive squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Speaking in an interview with MaraviPost, one of the team’s assistant coaches, Heston Munthali, said the technical panel is focused on gradually improving team chemistry, especially with the inclusion of new players.

Munthali explained that the friendlies are providing an opportunity to assess how well the new signings are adapting and coordinating with the more experienced members of the squad.

“We are not looking at results at this stage. The main goal is to prepare the team and ensure that players understand each other on the pitch,” he said.

He added that the coaching staff is closely monitoring the level of coordination between the new and old players as they continue to gel.

The assistant coach made the remarks on Thursday after Bullets secured a 2-0 victory over Dedza Dynamos in a friendly match played against Goshen City.

In that match, Ephraim Kondowe and Maxwell Gastin Phodo found the back of the net to give the People’s Team a comfortable win.

On the other side, Dedza Dynamos head coach Alex Ngwira said he was satisfied with his team’s performance despite the defeat.

Ngwira noted that his side is also using the friendlies as part of their preparations and the loss does not overshadow the progress they are making.

“We are building a team, and these games help us identify areas that need improvement,” said Ngwira.

The 2026/27 season is expected to kick off on 18 April with the Charity Shield match between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers.

The following week, the FDH Premiership League will begin.

Sports

Blue Eagles Coach Msakakuona upbeat ahead of 2026/27 football season kick off

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE -(MaraviPost)-Blue Eagles FC head coach Deklerk Msakakuona has expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations ahead of the 2026/2027 season, that the team is on track despite the departures of the key players during the transfer window.

Speaking during a training session, Msakakuona revealed that preparations have started on a positive note, with players showing commitment and readiness for the challenges ahead.

He acknowledged the gap which key players who have left the team to join other clubs have left.

He however , emphasized that there will be a stability within the squad as the new recruits are also showing capabilities.

“We are preparing well, and the players are focused and showing maturity. There is always speculation during the transfer period, but we are not worried,” said Msakakuona. “Our priority is to build a strong and competitive team for the coming season.”

The coach also disclosed that the team will begin a series of preseason matches starting next week.

The fixtures are expected to provide an opportunity for the technical panel to assess player performance and finalize the squad.

“We will have preseason games beginning next week, which will help us evaluate the players. The final squad will be announced within the same week,” he added.

Blue Eagles FC, one of the country’s competitive sides, will be aiming to improve on their previous campaign as they gear up for the new season.

With early preparations underway and the coach projecting confidence, supporters will be eager to see how the team shapes up in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, one of the club’s legendary Charles Juma popularly known as Mr Goals has emphasized the need of discipline amongst the boys both off and on the pitch.

“The game need a hard working spirit including maintaining discipline. Last year’s record was awesome and I’ m upbeat the team can do more than better than what they did”, Juma said.

The cops finished in fourth position in the 2024/2025 Super league season and in the Castel Challenge Cup the Eagles were knocked out in the Semifinals by Goshen City Dedza Dynamos.

Sports

Malawi FA approves 128 elite referees for 2026 season

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Referees Standing Committee has approved a total of 128 referees to officiate in the country’s 2026/27 elite competitions, marking a significant step in strengthening match officiating standards across all top tier leagues.

The list includes 17 FIFA accredited referees and 111 local elite referees alongside 30 elite referee assessors, 25 male and five female tasked with maintaining performance standards.

In addition, 116 referees have been cleared to handle fixtures in the National Division League, National Women’s League and regional leagues, comprising 100 men and 16 women.

A further 24 assessors have been appointed to oversee the division leagues.

FAM Referees Manager Duncan Lengani said the selection process followed strict and transparent criteria, with professionalism and competence at the centre.

He emphasized that only those who met the required fitness, technical knowledge and ethical standards made the final cut.

The 2026/27 panel reflects a growing commitment to inclusivity, with 18 female referees integrated into the elite structure alongside 110 male counterparts.

This balance highlights FAM’s continued push to open doors for women in football officiating, an area traditionally dominated by men.

Among the notable names approved to handle elite matches are Alfred Chilinda, Benson Subiri, Cedrick Mwachumu, Charles Chimimba, Chitani Tobias, Clemence Kanduku and Dan Dauya.

Others include David Chinoko, Deus Nyirongo, Easter Zimba, Edson Chagala and Enerst Kapazi.

The list also features Eness Gumbo, Gift Chicco, Godfrey NKhakananga, Grace Mtambo, Hendrix Liponda and Honest Maulana. Ibrahim Mussa, Idi Hassan, Idrissa Kapinga, Idrissa Matola and Issa Major have also made the cut.

Further selections include Jabesi Chiphwanya, Jimmy Phiri, Joel Mzunda, Joshua Msiska, Kelvin Magwaya and Kondwani Kamwendo alongside Lackson Chunda, Lameck Manda and Lanken Zembereko.

Macdonald Phiri, Mark Banda, Marko Dzimbasekwa, Mayamiko Kanjere and Mcloud Dickson are also part of the elite panel together with Meluce Nyirongo, Mercy Kaira, Mercy Mziya and Michael Mwambyale.


Adding to the list including Mwayi Msungama, Newton Nyirenda, Osman Nyasulu, Pachalo Manemba, Peter Jossam and Peter Phiri, as well as Rodrick Kapatamoyo, Rose Zimba, Shaibu Cassim, Victor Msiska, Waliko Simfukwe, William Chidambo and Zebron Lengani.

On the assistant referees list, Blessings Masauko, Charity Banda, Charity Zenus, Charles Chataika and Charles Lulaka are among those selected.

Not only that but also Chikumbutso Chimndaka, Chipiliro Phiri, Christina Mhango, Clement Kamwendo and Elias Chikoleka.

Emily Chathamthumba, Eric Simsamala, Evance Barton, Evance Msonda, Faith Gondwe and Fiskani Kaonga have also been included, alongside Gift Kossam and Happiness.

The approval of the referees sets the stage for what is expected to be a competitive and well officiated 2026/27 football season.

Sports

Local coaches body urges Bullets to trust Chirwa as permanent coach

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The debate over who should take charge of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets ahead of 2026/27 season has taken a new twist after the National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) publicly backed Gilbert Chirwa for the top job.

The association believes the interim coach has already done enough to prove he deserves a permanent role at one of Malawi’s biggest football clubs.

NFCA chairperson Aubrey Nankhuni said the association feels Chirwa’s recent achievements with Bullets make him a strong candidate to lead the team on a full time basis rather than the club searching for a foreign coach.

Nankhuni pointed to the results Chirwa delivered after taking charge following Peter Mponda’s departure near the end of the league season.

According to him, the team’s performance under Chirwa showed stability and determination at a crucial moment.

Among the achievements highlighted was Bullets finishing second in the Super League standings despite the difficult circumstances under which Chirwa assumed leadership of the squad.

The team also managed to regain confidence during that period.

Another major highlight was Bullets winning the Castel Challenge Cup after defeating Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 2-1 in the final, a victory that further strengthened the argument that Chirwa has the ability to guide the team successfully.

Nankhuni said such achievements should not be overlooked, adding that the club’s management should seriously consider giving the local tactician the opportunity to continue building the team.

The NFCA believes Bullets do not need to prolong the process of searching for a new coach when a capable candidate is already within their ranks.

Instead, the association suggested offering Chirwa a one year contract with clear performance targets.

Nankhuni compared the situation to what happened at Mighty Wanderers in 2025 when the club trusted Bob Mpinganjira with a contract and performance based expectations, a move that he said helped maintain continuity in the team.

Chirwa himself is well qualified for the role, holding both a CAF A coaching license and a UEFA B certificate.

These credentials, combined with his recent success with Bullets, are seen by some as sufficient justification for him to be considered seriously.

Despite the growing calls for his appointment, Bullets officials have remained silent about Chirwa’s future. The club is reportedly still reviewing applications from both local and foreign coaches who applied for the position last month.

However, not everyone agrees with the NFCA’s public endorsement. Sports analyst Ibrahim Phiri believes the association should allow Bullets to independently choose the coach they feel is most suitable for their ambitions.

Phiri argued that Bullets operate as a limited company and therefore have the right to decide whether to appoint Chirwa or another candidate.

He questioned whether the coaches’ association would remain satisfied if the club eventually chooses another Malawian coach who also applied for the job.