Tag Archives: Kamuzu Stadium

Malawi, Sports

Kamuzu Stadium ruled unfit as season kicks off with Charity Shield showdown

Shaffie A Mtambo Leave a comment

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has declared Kamuzu Stadium unfit to host official matches after failing to meet required standards, casting uncertainty over one of the country’s most iconic football venues.

The decision follows a nationwide inspection exercise conducted in March ahead of the 2026/2027 season, where 21 venues were assessed for compliance with club licensing requirements.

Out of the inspected facilities, only 14 met the set standards, exposing gaps in infrastructure readiness across Malawi’s football landscape.

Therefore, several venues have been cleared to host matches.

For Elite league, approved stadiums include Chitipa, Karonga, Rumphi, Chitowe, Champion, Aubrey Dimba, Silver, Civo, Bingu National, Dedza, Mulanje, Joyce Chitsulo, Zomba and Mpira Stadium.

In the NBS Bank National Division League, Owen Malijani, Kasungu, Balaka and Mchinji Mini Stadiums have been approved to stage fixtures.

Kamuzu Stadium, however, leads the list of major venues deemed unsuitable, alongside Nankhaka Stadium and Mzuzu Stadium, raising concerns over safety and match standards.

FAM Club Licensing Manager Clement Kafwafwa confirmed the development, emphasizing that stadium owners had been given enough time to address deficiencies identified during an initial inspection in January.

Despite that grace period, several venues failed to make the required improvements, prompting FAM to take decisive action ahead of the new campaign.

The move underlines FAM’s push to enforce higher standards in domestic football, particularly in pitch quality, safety compliance and essential infrastructure.

Teams that rely on the affected venues now face logistical challenges, as they will be forced to secure alternative grounds for their home matches.

Meanwhile, attention now shifts to the pitch as the 2026/27 season officially kicks off this coming weekend with a blockbuster Charity Shield clash between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers at Bingu national stadium in Lilongwe.

SADC

A New Chapter for Malawi? Mutharika’s Inaugural Speech a Masterclass in Political Reset

Maravi Post Author

By Dr. Tendai Moyo, Governance and Political Analyst

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Having just returned from Blantyre where I witnessed the inauguration as part of President Mnangagwa’s delegation, I am compelled to reflect on a speech that I believe marks a significant turning point. From my perspective as a governance analyst, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s address today was a masterclass in political reset, one that should be studied across our region.

We attend many such ceremonies in Southern Africa, often filled with predictable platitudes and celebratory fanfare. What we witnessed from President Mutharika in Kamuzu Stadium was something fundamentally different. This was not the same leader we have observed in the past; this was a President who has shed any ambivalence and has chosen to define his legacy with stark clarity.

His declaration that “Government is not a feast, a night club, a political party” was more than just rhetoric. It was a foundational philosophy, a direct repudiation of the patronage systems that have hindered progress in many of our nations. When he thundered, “the honeymoon of plundering government resources is over,” the atmosphere in the stadium shifted. This was a targeted declaration of war on corruption, delivered with a resolve that signals a new chapter.

The most telling moment was his personal, unequivocal warning: “If anyone acts to the contrary, I will go after him or her. Never say I never warned you.” In our political context, where such warnings are often diluted by expediency, this was a breathtakingly direct signal of intent. This is the language of a leader who means business, and it resonates deeply with citizens across borders who are weary of seeing public resources treated as private treasure.

President Mnangagwa, who has himself championed the need for economic discipline and anti-corruption drives, would have recognised in Mutharika’s speech a kindred spirit in the difficult battle to reform governance. The challenges Mutharika outlined, foreign exchange shortages, food insecurity, are hauntingly familiar to us here in Zimbabwe. His solution, however, marks a critical point of analysis. By calling for “patience, discipline, and hard work” from all Malawians, he is correctly framing national recovery not as a gift from the state, but as a shared contract between the government and its people.

The invitation to international investors was equally astute. It was an assurance that this new era of internal accountability is designed to build a stable and predictable environment for business. This is smart economics, signalling that Malawi under this renewed leadership understands that integrity is the foundational currency of international confidence.

In my analysis, viewed from here in Harare, President Mutharika has done something politically shrewd. He has used the potent platform of his inauguration, with regional leaders as witnesses, to burn his bridges with the old way of doing things. He has set a very high bar for his administration.

The speech was, without a doubt, superb. It was the right message, delivered with the right tone, at the most opportune moment. But the true test starts now. If President Mutharika can match the force of his words with the force of his actions, then today will be remembered not just for a great speech, but as the genuine start of Malawi’s national recovery. For the sake of our region and its people, we hope he succeeds.

Politics

Mutharika sworn in as Malawi’s 7th President

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has officially taken his oath of office as the seventh President of the Republic of Malawi.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre before a packed audience of thousands of Malawians, foreign dignitaries, and invited guests.

Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda presided over the ceremony, administering the oaths of office to both Professor Mutharika and Vice President Justice Dr. Jane Ansah.

The event marked a historic moment in Malawi’s democratic journey, symbolizing a peaceful transition of power following the September 16 elections.

The atmosphere at the stadium was charged with excitement and pride as supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) filled the stands, waving flags and singing patriotic songs.

Traditional dancers, musicians, and youth groups added colour and rhythm to the occasion, transforming the venue into a scene of national celebration.

In his inaugural address, President Mutharika expressed gratitude to the people of Malawi for entrusting him with another opportunity to lead the nation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the economy, restoring public confidence in government institutions, and promoting unity across political and regional divides.

President Mutharika also pledged to continue championing development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare.

He emphasized the importance of peace, hard work, and patriotism, urging Malawians to rise above division and focus on national progress.

Vice President Jane Ansah echoed the President’s sentiments, calling for renewed collaboration among all branches of government to deliver on campaign promises.

Among the notable dignitaries present were former Presidents Dr. Joyce Banda and Dr. Bakili Muluzi, as well as visiting leaders from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.

Security at the event was tight, with the Malawi Defence Force conducting a ceremonial 21-gun salute and military parade in honour of the new Head of State.

As the ceremony concluded, crowds erupted in jubilation, chanting songs of victory and hope for a prosperous future under the new administration.

The inauguration not only signified a new political chapter but also reaffirmed Malawi’s reputation as a nation committed to democracy, peace, and orderly leadership transitions.

This inauguration represents more than a mere change of leadership—it symbolizes the resilience of Malawi’s democratic institutions and the enduring trust of its citizens in the power of the ballot.

It marks a renewed opportunity for the government to heal political divisions, restore confidence in governance, and focus on addressing the pressing economic challenges that confront the nation.

If President Mutharika’s administration stays true to its promises of reform, transparency, and inclusive development, this new term could set the tone for a more stable and prosperous Malawi.

Sports

Ref Chinoko to Officiate High-Voltage Blantyre Derby

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has announced the referees’ panel for the highly anticipated Blantyre derby between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers FC, scheduled for Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Mzuzu-based referee, David Chinoko, will lead the officiating team.

Chinoko, a seasoned referee with experience in handling high-profile matches, will be assisted by Happiness Mbandambanda as the first assistant referee and Mussa Grant as the second assistant. Easter Zimba will serve as the fourth official, while veteran referee Moffat Champiti will assess the officiating panel.

Interestingly, this panel also officiated last season’s Blantyre derby, which adds an element of familiarity to the high-stakes match. The referees’ experience and knowledge of the teams’ dynamics will be crucial in ensuring a fair and smooth game.

The Blantyre derby is one of the most eagerly awaited matches in the Malawi football calendar, with both teams boasting a huge following and a rich history of competition. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers FC have a long-standing rivalry, and this match is expected to be intense and closely contested.

Fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating the match, and the referees’ panel will face a tough task in keeping the game under control. The stakes are high, and every decision made by the referees will be scrutinized. Chinoko and his team will need to be at the top of their game to ensure that justice is served on the pitch.

The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams likely to field their strongest squads. The outcome of the game could have significant implications for the league standings, and both teams will be looking to emerge victorious.

As the referees prepare to take center stage, fans can expect a thrilling match that will keep them on the edge of their seats. With the likes of Chinoko and his team in charge, the game is expected to be officiated fairly and impartially, allowing the best team to emerge victorious.

In the buildup to the match, both teams have been engaged in intense training sessions, fine-tuning their tactics and strategies. The players are expected to be highly motivated, and the match is likely to be a closely contested affair.

The Sulom’s decision to appoint Chinoko and his team to officiate the match is a vote of confidence in their abilities. The referees’ panel has a big responsibility on their shoulders, and they will need to rise to the occasion to ensure that the game is fair and enjoyable for both teams and the fans.

As the countdown to the match begins, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that will showcase the best of Malawian football. With the referees’ panel in place, the stage is set for a memorable match that will be remembered for a long time.

TNM Super League

Wanderers and Silver Strikers share spoils in thrilling draw

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

In a thrilling encounter at Kamuzu Stadium, Mighty Wanderers and defending champions Silver Strikers played out a 1-1 draw in a TNM Super League match. The match was intense and closely contested, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.

Blessings Mwalilino broke the deadlock for Wanderers in the 90th minute, sending the Nomads’ fans into a frenzy.

However, before Wanderers could celebrate their victory, Silver Strikers restored parity through Chinsinsi Maonga in additional time.

The draw means Wanderers have maintained second position in the 16-team league with 13 points from five outings, while Silver Strikers have dropped a place to 10th with eight points.

In another match played today, PremierBet Dedza Dynamos secured a 1-0 victory over Civil Service United through Chifuniro Mpinganjira’s strike. The win has seen Dedza Dynamos move up the table, dislodging Silver Strikers from the ninth place with nine points from seven matches.

Creck Sporting also registered a win, triumphing 2-0 at home against table anchors Songwe Border United. Hardy N’gandu and Hassan Hussein scored the goals for Creck Sporting, who have moved three places up to 11th on eight points from seven fixtures.

The results have shuffled the table, with Wanderers maintaining their second position and Dedza Dynamos moving up to ninth place. Silver Strikers, on the other hand, have dropped a place to 10th. The TNM Super League is heating up, with teams battling it out for supremacy.

The matches showcased the talent and competitiveness of the teams, with players giving their all to secure victories for their teams. The league is expected to get even more intense in the coming weeks, with teams fighting for a chance to lift the trophy.

The TNM Super League continues to captivate football fans across the country, with thrilling matches and unexpected results. The league’s competitiveness is a testament to the talent and dedication of the players and teams involved.

Law and order, Malawi

Kamuzu stadium gate’s fraudsters granted bail: Case adjourned to May 13

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Blantyre Senior Resident Magistrate Akya Mwanyongo have been granted bail to six people who were arrested for allegedly stealing MK437,000 gate revenue at Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre during Wanderers-Sable FC game.

In his ruling, Mwanyongo has ordered the six to pay bail bond of MK50,000 each and MK500,000 non-cash.

On top of that, the six have been also ordered to surrender their traveling documents while be reporting to Soche Police every fortnight.

Six Kamuzu stadium gate’ fraudsters granted bail

The six include four gate cashiers Chiyembekezo Buffalo, Tingo Fungulani, Prince Ndalama and Gladys Meja who were arrested during the match day, while two are directors of unity gate management system who were arrested later by detectives who had initially pounced on the cashiers.

Meanwhile, Mwanyongo has adjourned the case to May 13, 2022 in order to pave a way for a fair trial of the accused.

Sports

Wanderers Player Stanley Sanudi slapped with two-match ban as Nomads, Bullets fined

Maravi Post Reporter
Mighty Wanderers have threatened to complain to the Anti-Corruption Bureau

Mighty Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets have been fined K1.6 million and K500,000, respectively, for the violence and unsporting behaviour that caused the abandonment of their match at Kamuzu Stadium on 1st May 2021.

Wanderers right back Stanley Sanudi has also been slapped with a two-match ban for confronting Assistant Referee Bernadette Kwimbira Nzika for declining to give Wanderers a corner-kick.

Wanderers were charged with failure to control the actions of its supporters who threw stones, bottles, and other objects onto the pitch and while Bullets failed to control a supporter, who invaded and tampered with Wanderer’s goal posts thereby putting the game of football into disrepute contrary to article 21 of the SULOM Rules and Regulations.

In its determination, the Super League of Malawi Disciplinary Committee says Wanderers failed to control actions of their supporter’s contrary to Art. 21.9 of the SULOM Rules and Regulations; and directly interrupted or disturbed the normal proceedings of a game contrary to article 21.2(3) of the SULOM Rules and Regulations.

“Considering the circumstances of the case, where the team did not put effort to quail the conduct of the supporters and players, considering that Be Forward Wanderers also committed similar offence in 2019, and the quest to deter the team and other teams from committing similar offence in future, the Committee opined that a fine of K1,500,000.00 befits the offence in question and hereby imposes the same on Be Forward Wanderers,” reads part of the determination.

For disrupting the match, Wanderers have fined K102,000, bringing the total fine to K1.602,000, which will have to be paid within 30 days.

“In the case of Nyasa Big Bullets, the offence of invading the pitch attracts a fine of K500,000.00. The Committee considered the circumstances of the offence that Big Bullets did not show any effort to prevent or mitigate the commission of the offence, The Committee is of the considered view that a fine of MK500,000,00 adequately addresses the mischief,” rules the Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee has ordered the National Referees Committee (NRC) to discipline the referees that handled the match for mismanaging the match.

“It was observed that there was mismanagement of the game by the officiating personnel. These include the continuation of the game while coincidentally disciplining the players. According to the rules, the game was supposed to be stopped at that juncture. The failure by the referee to stop the game was not only a breach of the Laws of the game but has also infuriated Be Forward Wanderers as Nyasa Big Bullets almost scored a goal,” states the 

Top News

Fam announces dates of fisd cup games and venues; Bullets in first encounter

Maravi Post Author

 

By Alick Junior Sichali

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has issued a statement communicating dates and venues of Fisd quarter finals games.

In a statement signed by FAM General Secretary Alfred Gunda says the quarter finals games of the competition will be played at the end of this week.

According to the statement Nyasa Big Bullets is scheduled to play against Chitipa United on Friday at Kamuzu Stadium in Malawi’s commercial city Blantyre.

This is so despite Big Bullets was expected to leave the country on Friday to Kenya for their CAF games next week.

In an interview with Chief Excutive Officer of Nyasa Big Bullets, Fleetwood Haiya expressed dismay of the fixture saying it has affected their plans ahead of their CAF game.

Haiya said since FAM was aware of their participation in the Africa competition they thought the fixture would be postponed to a later date.

He said “we have received the fixture positively but FAM would have given as space as on the day of the game we planned to start off to Kenya for our CAF game,”.

According to the statement dates of the game between Silver Strikers and Kamuzu Barracks will be announced later.

Below is the full fixture of the Fisd quarter finals game.

FRIDAY
Nyasa Big Bullets vs Chitipa United
Kamuzu Stadium

SATURDAY

BE FOWARD Wanderers vs Airborne Rangers
Kamuzu Stadium

SUNDAY
Blue Eagles vs Moyale Barracks
Nankhaka Ground

Silver Strikers vs Kamuzu Barracks (TBN)
Silver Stadium

Malawi, Sports, Top News

Kamuzu Stadium renovations time-frame extended to March

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Francis Kasaila this week said the time-frame for Kamuzu Stadium renovations in Blantyre, has been extended to March.

The minister said this when he inspected the ailing facility. Initially, he had projected that the stadium would be ready for use next month.

Kasaila also conceded that there is still more work to be done than it was earlier anticipated.
“We are making progress, but we still have a lot of work to be done to ensure that the facility is back to life.

“Nevertheless, we are determined that the stadium is ready by March [this year] so that when the season starts in April, it should be ready for use,” he said.

The sports minister observed that there were other aspects that were overlooked like the impact of vandalised areas.

“For instance the impact of the roofs that were vandalised by fans who jump the wall to watch games for free is big and we need to seal these spaces, otherwise it could turn into a recurring problem.
“The level of vandalism in our country has reached worrisome levels.

“Then it has also been agreed with the contractor [Pabe Construction] to paint even the upper parts of the stands that were cordoned-off just to ensure that it looks good,” the said the minister, himself a civil engineer by profession.

Kasaila further conceded that the development would translate to more costs.

“But the solace is that the contractor has assured me that by March, the major works would have been completed to pave the way for the use of the stadium while others will follow.

He said the major areas of renovations cover the toilets, drainage system, dressing rooms, tunnels from the dressing rooms, VIP and Covered Stands.

“In the long-term, it was also suggested that we could demolish the condemned stands and replace them one at a time. These are some of the plans that can be pursued,” said Kasaila.

The minister said the works were estimated to cost K292 million, “but the figure could rise”.

Pabe Construction managing director Paul Madula expressed optimism that everything being equal, they would finish the major works by march.

Environment, Malawi, Opinion

Environmental Close Up on Sunday; President Mutharika goofs on turning Njamba Freedom Park into Stadium

Lloyd M’bwana

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost) – The recent President Peter Mutharika endorsement that the historical Njamba Freedom Park in the commercial city of Blantyre be turned into a stadium is total blunder the leadership has made against proper Land-Use planning.

The yet to be constructed stadium at Njamba park just lies about a ten minute drive from the nearly abandoned Kamuzu Stadium in the city.

This just vindicates the leadership’s ignorance of Land Use Planning Principles that demand evaluation needs and want of the population, characteristics and value of the land, and various alternative solutions to the use of a particular land surface before changes are made.

The economic and personal needs of the population are central driving force that requires land-use decisions to be made.

The unique quality of a particular portion of land surface such of Njamba Freedom Park however prevent some uses, poorly accommodate others, but are highly suitable for others not the stadium, the way the authority is advancing.

For instance, the floodplain besides a river is unsuitable for building permanent structures, can easily accommodate recreation including parks, the Njamba is positioned, useful as nature preserve not a stadium.

However, the difficulty in making land use decision, in a manner the Mutharika government has done, is going through process of evaluating the each piece of land and deciding which of several competing uses to assign to.

When land-use decisions are made, the decisions process usually involves the public, private, landowners, developers, government, special interest group and among others.

Each interest group has special needs and will argue biased their desires, the way Mutharika and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lead government has resorted on Njamba into a stadium.

Mutharika with his backroom staff on this proposed stadium at a historical place, he could study carefully on international land use principles including;

• Evaluate and record any unique geographic or biological features of the land.
• Preserve unique cultural or historical features of Njamba Park.
• Conserve open space and environmental features
• Recognize and calculate the cost of additional changes that will be required to accommodate altered land use
• Plan for mixed housing and commercial uses of land in proximity to one another
• Set limits and require managed growth with compact development patterns
• Encourage development within areas that already have a supportive infrastructure so that duplication of resources is not needed.

None of the listed land-Use principles was followed by Malawi government when proposed Njamba for a stadium which vindicates the need for land commission, the body which could have the mandate to sanction such developments.

I wish this project could be stopped which does not really serve the public interest on conservation of historical features that future generation will appreciate.

But all foundation for the construction of the stadium at Njamba is at advanced stage that only legal redress can rescue the site.

As just hours before the New Year, 2018, Malawi government should always thorough get understanding of the environmental principles that saves nature for the better.

The Environmental Close Up column will continue providing insights that govern environmental management as creator demands us all to do.

We are wishing a wonderful and Prosperous HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2018.

For feedback or input send to the email; lloydmbwana.4@gmail.com or WhatsApp number; +256 (0) 884235871