Tag Archives: Red Lions FC

Sports

Red Lions seal NDL title as promotion race concludes

Shaffie A Mtambo

BALAKA-(MaraviPost)-Red Lions have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) after a consistent and disciplined campaign that saw them finish top of the table with 47 points from 22 matches.

The title was confirmed following a 1–1 draw against Baka City in their final league match played on Sunday at Balaka Stadium, a result that was enough to keep them ahead of their closest challengers.

Although the final match ended in a stalemate, Red Lions had already done the hard work earlier in the season, building a solid points cushion through crucial wins both at home and away.

The draw at Balaka was keenly contested, with Baka City also having a lot at stake as they were battling to secure a top three finish and promotion to the elite league.

At the final whistle, celebrations erupted in the Red Lions camp as players, technical staff and supporters marked the club’s successful return to the top tier of Malawian football.

By winning the league, Red Lions have earned promotion to the 2026 TNM Super League, ending a period spent outside the country’s premier football competition.

They will be joined in the TNM Super League by Mitundu Baptist, who finished second, and Baka City, who secured third place, completing the list of promoted teams.

The promotion of the three teams highlights the competitiveness of the 2025 NDL season, which saw several clubs remain in contention for promotion until the final rounds.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has hailed the successful completion of the season, citing improved organisation, competitiveness, and discipline among participating teams.

FAM president Fleetwood Haiya singled out NBS Bank for praise, acknowledging the sponsor’s role in sustaining the league during a time when many clubs continue to struggle financially.

Haiya also appealed for increased support towards football development, noting that financial challenges remain one of the biggest obstacles to the growth of the game in Malawi.

On their part, NBS Bank, through senior official Shadrick Chikusilo, expressed satisfaction with how FAM managed the competition throughout the season.

Chikusilo said the bank is encouraged by the positive impact the sponsorship has had on football and remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote transparency and competitiveness.

NBS Bank is currently sponsoring the National Division League with K1 billion spread over three years, a package that covers prize money, administration and operational costs.

Sports, TNM Super League

Red Lions roar back as promotion is sealed, title nears: TNM Super League bound

Shaffie A Mtambo

BALAKA-(MaraviPost)-Red Lions have sealed a sensational return to the TNM Super League after beating Bangwe All Stars 1-0 at Balaka Stadium on Sunday afternoon, placing themselves just one win away from lifting the inaugural NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) title.

A brilliant second-minute strike from Mphatso Magaleta proved enough to send the Zomba-based soldiers back to the top flight after three seasons of waiting.

The early goal set the tone for a determined Red Lions side that defended with grit and controlled the match with maturity.

With the victory, the Lions now sit comfortably on 43 points, requiring only one more win from their remaining three matches to reach an unassailable 46 points.

Their closest rivals, Baka City, faltered after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Mitundu Baptist a result that has tilted the title race heavily in Red Lions’ favour.

At Maliri ground in Lilongwe, Golden Boot frontrunner Raheem Mtondera netted his 19th goal of the season to hand Mitundu Baptist the win over Baka City.

The defeat leaves Baka stranded on 35 points and needing a miracle to catch the runaway leaders.

Elsewhere, the battle for survival intensified. Mchinji Villa boosted their hopes of staying in the league with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chilumba Barracks. Davie Juwao, who missed an early penalty, redeemed himself with a brace, taking his season tally to 13 goals.

Kanindo Mwafulirwa scored Chilumba’s consolation but the loss leaves them buried in the relegation zone with just 20 points.

Chintheche United also picked up a vital 1-0 win away to Ndirande Stars at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, After a tight first half, Manase Mlenga rose high to power home a header in the 67th minute.

Ndirande missed a golden chance to equalise when Justin Bonongwe saved Maclay Chiwaya’s penalty, keeping Chintheche’s survival hopes alive as they climb to 10th on 22 points.

The stakes continue to rise across the NDL as three teams will earn automatic promotion into the TNM Super League, while four sides will be relegated to their respective regional leagues.

According to FAM Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka, Red Lions are now officially confirmed as the first team to secure promotion with the association closely monitoring which other two sides will follow.

Sports, TNM Super League

2025 Super League: Kaning’ina Lions roar over Eagles

Maravi Post Reporter

….Eagles 1-2 Moyale

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Moyale Barracks, The Lions of Kaning’ina came from a 1-0 deficit to defeat 10-men Blue Eagles FC 2-1 at Nankhaka Stadium in the capital, Lilongwe.

Played on a muddy pitch following the rains that hit Area 30 before the match kicked off, both teams failed to display good football as the ball could easily stop and get stuck in the mud, hence players opted for aerial balls.

The visitors were aggressive when attacking in the first half, playing more corner kicks and free kicks than the hosts.

Despite their dominance, they couldn’t find the back of the net.

In the third minute, Micium Mhone won a free kick close to the 18-yard box, but Maxwell Gustavo’s effort went straight into the palms of goalkeeper Olyce Nkhwazi.

Moyale replied quickly as Clever Kalambo delivered a clever pass to Lameck Mithi, who miscued it and the ball went wide for a goal kick to the home side in the 8th minute.

The Lions piled on the pressure and got their first corner kick in the 11th minute. Kalambo took a thunderous shot from the byline with the intention of passing it to Nadrick Nyirenda.

Masamba charged out and parried the ball away to safety for a corner kick. Kalambo took the corner, but it went straight into the palms of Masamba.

In the 24th minute, Clever Kalambo terrorized Eagles’ defense as he took a shot at goal, but the ball hit Nadrick Nyirenda and bounced back in a bizarre situation. The Eagles survived the scare.

In the 33rd minute, Eagles conceded another corner kick as Mdoka floated the ball inside and it deflected off Gustavo before zooming out into touch.

Kalambo took the corner kick, but Masamba parried it to Ganizani James, who released John Banda on the far right.

Banda controlled it and sent a neat pass to Laurent Banda in the box, whose shot went off target.

Micium Mhone received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Chisomo Chiwanda in the 38th minute. No goals were registered before referee Easter Zimba blew for halftime.

Eagles started the second half on a high note. The home side were awarded a penalty following a handball in the box by Innocent Botoman in the 48th minute. Ganizani James stood firmly behind the ball before converting it into the net, beating Olyce Nkhwazi in goal to take a 1-0 lead.

Moyale Barracks were then everywhere in Eagles’ half as they searched for an equalizer. Nadrick Nyirenda, Charles Nkhoma and Clever Kalambo troubled Eagles as they dominated proceedings. During this period, the visitors played two corner kicks in succession, which were both defended by Eagles.

The Cops made their first change in the 65th minute as Pius Saka replaced John Banda.

Eagles’ scorer, Ganizani James, was shown a straight red card for a foul on Nadrick Nyirenda, who was attacking the home side’s goal. A free kick was awarded close to the 18-yard box.

Charles Nkhoma took the free kick and the ball hit the upright. Walusungu Mdoka met the rebound and scored to restore parity in the 73rd minute, making it 1-1.

To add power to his squad, head coach Pritchard Mwansa made changes as Chifundo Makawa came on for Walusungu Mdoka. In the 84th minute, Charles Nkhoma received a yellow card for a dangerous foul on Pius Saka.
In the 87th minute, Moyale’s Makawa was caught offside as he headed in a Charles Nkhoma pass. Moments later, Moyale Barracks scored through Lameck Mithi, who connected with Clever Kalambo’s neat pass, and soon after, the match ended.

Moyale’s Clever Kalambo was later voted player of the match.

In a post-match interview, Moyale Barracks head coach Pritchard Mwansa described the victory as sweet, being away from home.

“I’m very happy that we have won the match. Though the ground was slippery, the boys gave it their all. After noting the condition of the pitch, we told our boys to play more in attack than defense,” said Mwansa.

Blue Eagles FC head coach Deklerk Msakakuona said it was a good game despite the loss.

“Playing on a waterlogged pitch was tough for the boys. We got a goal and failed to defend it. Our counterparts came to equalize and scored the winning one when we were one man down. We have five games before winding up the season. I believe we will catch up and move up the ladder,” Msakakuona said.

With the win, Moyale Barracks moved to 11th position with 30 points from 23 games.

Blue Eagles FC maintained 7th position despite the defeat. The team has 35 points from 25 games.

The team’s next assignment is away to Karonga against Songwe Border, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium.

Sports

Red Lions strengthen Super League promotion

Shaffie A Mtambo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Red Lions have strengthened their push to return to Malawi’s top-flight football after securing a 3-2 victory over Mitundu Baptist at Civo Stadium on Sunday.

The win extended the Zomba-based side’s lead at the summit of the NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) to seven points, leaving them on 27 points and ahead of Baka City, who moved to second place with 22 points after beating FOMO FC 2-1 at Karonga Stadium.

The result also saw Mitundu Baptist drop to third on the standings.

The top of the table clash delivered all the excitement fans had hoped for.

Mitundu Baptist shocked Red Lions early when Raheem Mtondera scored in the first minute, lobbing the goalkeeper to open the scoring and take his tally to 13 goals this season.

Just before halftime, Red Lions equalized through Kaliwo Harawa, who finished off a precise cross from Hankey Machila, keeping the Lions in contention.

The second half began with Mtondera doubling his tally in the 57th minute after a slick assist from Charles Mbewe, putting Mitundu back in the lead.

However, Red Lions responded almost immediately with Harawa scoring his second in the 61st minute to level the match at 2-2.

Two minutes later, Mitundu had a golden chance to regain the lead from a penalty but Charles Mbewe’s attempt soared over the crossbar.

The miss proved costly as Ferguson Mtondo struck a powerful long-range goal in the 83rd minute, sealing a memorable 3-2 win for Red Lions and earning himself the Player of the Match award.

Baka City also strengthened their promotion hopes with a 2-1 win over FOMO FC at Karonga Stadium. Hastings Ndau put Baka ahead in the second minute, Hopson Adriano equalized shortly after the restart but Satiel Chirambo’s close-range finish in the 60th minute secured the win.

Enock Kaonga’s creative play throughout the match earned him the Man of the Match award.

Elsewhere, Mchinji Villa and Ndirande Stars played out a goalless draw at Mchinji Community Ground.

Despite the stalemate, Ndirande’s Khaleed Alli impressed with his energetic performance and was named Player of the Match.

Red Lions’ victory not only extends their lead at the top but also demonstrates the team’s determination and consistency, keeping their dream of returning to the TNM Super League firmly alive.

Malawi, Obituaries, Sports

Red Lions FC goalkeeper trainer Jafali Saizi dies

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The football community mourns the loss of Jafali Saizi, the beloved goalkeeper trainer of Red Lions FC.

Saizi tragically passed away in his home in Zomba after a brief illness.

Red Lions FC paid tribute to Saizi on their official Facebook page, expressing their deep sorrow at his untimely passing.

The club wrote, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our goalkeeper trainer, Jafali Saizi. Saizi passed away in his home in Zomba after a short illness.”

Saizi was known for his dedication and passion for coaching goalkeepers.

His expertise and guidance were instrumental in shaping the skills of the players at Red Lions FC. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

As the football community comes together to remember the legacy of Jafali Saizi, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he inspired.

Jafali Saizi’s impact on Red Lions FC went beyond just his role as a goalkeeper trainer.

He was also a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration for many players at the club.

His dedication to the game and his genuine care for the players made him a beloved figure within the organization.

Throughout his time at Red Lions FC, Saizi worked tirelessly to improve the skills and techniques of the club’s goalkeepers.

He was always willing to go the extra mile to help players reach their full potential, often staying late after training sessions to work individually with those who needed extra support.

His attention to detail and his passion for the sport were evident in everything he did.

Saizi’s contributions to the club extended far beyond the training pitch.

He was also known for his positive attitude, his sense of humor, and his ability to uplift those around him.

Players and staff alike would often seek out his advice or simply enjoy his company during difficult times. His presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

As news of Saizi’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the football community.

Players, coaches, and fans alike expressed their sadness at the loss of such a dedicated and beloved figure.

Many shared stories of how Saizi had impacted their lives, both on and off the field.

In addition to his work at Red Lions FC, Saizi was also involved in community outreach programs, using football as a tool to empower and inspire young people.

His commitment to making a positive impact on those around him was evident in everything he did.

His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the memories he created.

The loss of Jafali Saizi has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him.

His passion for the game, his dedication to his craft, and his genuine care for others will always be remembered.

As the football community mourns the passing of a true legend, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rest in peace, Jafali Saizi. Your legacy will never be forgotten.