FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

www.fam.mw | page - 1 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

This week, reaches a football crossroads as the Flames begin their quest for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification with an away match against Cameroon in Yaoundé.

This is a litmus test for out football and it will help gauge how far we have come vis-à-vis the investment of the last decade.

Today, we are all praying for the Flames and rooting for a surprise in Yaoundé. from the president

That said, the association is this month celebrating milestones in the administration of the beautiful game. For a start, for this year’s Under-20 talent identification exercise, FAM changed the strategy for identifying talent to ensure players selected remain in the team for a minimum of two years.

In the past we would run this exercise for three weeks before a tournament and selected players just for that particular tournament.

But for this year, we targeted players that will be with the team up to 2023 for the AFCON.

This new format give coach Patrick Mabedi and his panel a year and a half to work with these boys before the AFCON qualifiers next year.

This new selection format, the involved select teams from all four regions ensured that we reached across the country in our quest to tap into raw talent in the remote areas.

The results of which were on show when the four select teams battled it out in a round-robin tournament.

Another major milestone which we celebrate this month was the launch of the FAM Under-14 League in Mulanje on August 13.

We want to lay a foundation for a strong team in the future and, as an association, we believe that this can only be possible if the boys start playing organised football at a very young age such as the Under-14 league.

We had an FCB Under-20 League, FAM Under-17 and Under-16 leagues and we just launched the FAM Under-23 districts leagues. The missing link was the Under-14 league.

We now have a complete path for players to play organised compete football from Under-14 to Under-23 and with that we should be able to retain and nurture all available talent for the Flames.

The Under-14 League is being piloted in 14 districts but will expand to all the 34 educational districts by next year. WALTER NYAMILANDU-MANDA

www.fam.mw | page - 2 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 u nch U14 La

Nyamilandu donates balls to some of the participating teams

Part of the action between Kit Aid vs Mayo Academy

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Petro SPOTLIGHT ON CHARLES PETRO ON UEFA group stages DEBUT Imagine this. You’re sitting in a packed video show Then Peter Drury comes in with his poetic in Manje township Blantyre Malawi on Tuesday commentary to welcome the two teams on the September 28, 2021. night to the majestic Santiago Bernabeu for a UEFA Champions’ League Group D match All eyes of packed tiny room are glued to between record 13-time winners Real Madrid Supersport 3 channel for a UEFA Champions and group stage debutants FC Sheriff of League. .

Its match day 2 for the competitions 2021/2022 Then comes the iconic UEFA anthem composed season by Tony Britten, a graduate of the Royal College www.fam.mw | page - 4 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 of Music, performed by the Royal Philharmonic President Tiya Somba Orchestra and sung by the Academy of Saint Banda added: “From the TNM Super League to Martin in the Fields chorus, both of which are the UEFA Champions League! Our o/wn son of based in London. the soil Charles Petro, will be responsible for man- marking the likes of Benzema, Hazard, Dzeko Goosebumps!! and Alexis Sanchez in Group D of the UCL. The boy is living the dream of many.” You sing along to the lyrics……Die Meister…. Die Besten….Les grandes équipes…The Petro’s rise to stardom has been immense. He champions!!!! has been playing football at top level for five years and has won the championship in each of And as the main camera moves across the players the seasons. lined up on the touch line you see a familiar face from the hood. A ghetto boy. Charles Petro. And Five years ago Petro was playing for Under-20 the whole room erupts in joy upon seeing their league side Kangaroo Academy before he was boy playing at the highest level of club football in snatched by Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve coach the world. Enos Chatama.

So, did we say imagine? In his first season with Bullets Reserves in the Southern Region Football League Division one in No! Don’t. This will be the reality in the next few 2017, they won the title and got promoted to the weeks as Petro is set to become the first Malawi Premier Division. They won the Premier Division to play in the UEFA Champions League with FC title in 2018 but, as per club licensing rules, the Sherriff Tiraspol who qualified for the group stage team could not join the Super League as they are for the first time in their history after seeing off a reserve side for Bullets. Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 on aggregate in the last preliminary qualifying round. The following season in 2019, he was promoted to Bullets main team and then won a starting And to spice it up, the Flames international will berth when he filled up the gap left by injured have an opportunity to brush shoulders with captain John Lanjesi. He was instrumental as global football super stars like Karim Benzema, Bullets defended the league title and he was even Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Luka Modric and Alex voted defender of the season and nominated for Sanchez after Sherriff were drawn against Real the player of the year. Madrid, and FC Shakatar Donetsk of Ukraine. And just like that, after one season in the Super League, he was off to Europe when he signed for In a brief interview, Petro could not hide the Sheriff in February 2020. In his first season, he excitement of playing at the top level. won the Moldovan championship which Sheriff defended in 2021. “I can’t believe it. If you imagine that just five years ago, I was playing amateur football in townships. At 20, he is already a Flames first choice centre- I can only thank God. I will hard to make use of back with 16 caps this opportunity for bigger things,’’ he said. “He will go places. He is focused disciplined and This historic moment for Malawi football has is very eager to learn. If he continues with that been celebrated by many Malawians, led by FAM attitude and with this platform, he will move soon. President Walter Nyamilandu who said: “We will “He was never the best player among his peers. be watching our very own son of the soil playing This is why at Under-20 and Under-23 he was in the Champions League. What an inspiration to always behind the perking order of Trevor Kalema many players in Malawi. We are extremely proud and Hadji Wali. But he has the heart and this why of his exploits in Europe. His experience will be he has managed to surpass them. The sky is the immense to the Flames.” limit for the boy,” said Chatama

www.fam.mw | page - 5 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 FAM for defined player pathway

Dave Sinoya is a 13-year-old from Mulanje who League in Mulanje on August 13, Nyamilandu opment dreams of playing professional football in Europe. said: “We want to lay a foundation for a strong

team in the future and, as an association, we deve l His idols are Flames defender Stanly Sanudi and believe that this can only be possible if the boys Kieran Mbape from France. He dreams of one start playing organised football at a very young day donning the Mighty Wanderers jersey locally age such as the Under-14 league. while internationally, he dreams of representing the Blues of Chelsea. “We had an FCB Under-20 League, FAM Under-17 and Under-16 leagues and we just launched the Sinoya captains Kit Aid Mayo FC, which plays in FAM Under-23 district leagues. The missing link the newly launched FAM Under-14 League for was the Under-14 league. Mulanje District. “We now have a complete path for players to “My dream is to play for Wanderers, Chelsea and play organised complete football from Under-14 Flames,” Sinoya said. to Under-23 and with that we should be able to retain and nurture all available talent for the He is one of the thousands Malawian youngsters Flames. who harbour the ambition of becoming superstars. The Under-14 League is being piloted in 14 FAM President Walter Nyamilandu believes the districts but will expand to all the 34 educational only way to help release the dream of grooming districts by next year. superstars is by putting in a pathway for defining player development. Each participating district will receive a K1.5 million administration fund for the league and Speaking at the launch of the FAM Under-14 each team will receive three footballs from FAM.

Sinoya (left) attempts to beat an opponent www.fam.mw | page - 6 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 R eferees T est

Referees pose for a group photo

Referees during the test

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FAM urges Elite referees to be principled

Football Association of Malawi has urged elite referees to exercise the highest level of integrity if they are to develop their careers.

FAM executive member Rashid Ntelera, who is the chairperson for the Referees Subcommittee said this on August 14 during the 2022 FIFA International Referees Panel Listing Fitness test at the Bingu National Stadium in .

“As much as a person cannot be 100 percent perfect, we have encouraged our referees to have strong moral principles.

“It’s sad that we have rumours that some referees are getting bribes from team officials for them to influence the outcome of games. We condemn this behaviour because it defeats the whole purpose of competition in our leagues because the games are all about competing and development.

“As for those referees who will make it to the FIFA International Referees List, we expect them to stand up to the international standards of referees. We want to have more referees officiating at FIFA and Olympic tournaments not just Bernadette Kwimbira. We urge them to tackle issues in a professional way if they are to develop in their career,” said Ntelera.

Out of the 37 referees that participated in the test, three (one female centre referee, one female assistant referee and one male assistant referee) failed the test.

The final list for Malawi will be confirmed later in the year.

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Mwase targets first AFCON knockout stage

Flames coach Meck Mwase says his charges have a chance to go past the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time at next

year’s tournament in Cameroun if they prepare l teams nationa well.

Mwase said this after the AFCON draw that took place in Younde, Cameroun on 17 August where the Flames were drawn in Group B alongside Senegal, Guinea and Zimbabwe.

Malawi have been to the AFCON twice, in 1984 and 2010, but they were eliminated in the group stages on both occasions.

The former Flames captain said Malawi were drawn in a fair group and he believes the team can make it to the knockout stages if they come up with a proper strategy.

“It’s a fair group and we could not have asked for a better group than this one. With the new format, even one win can take us through. So, if we plan well and get results, we will easily make it to the last 16.

“All these teams are not pushovers. We all worked hard to qualify for the finals. I believe that all the teams have a chance to progress and it would only depend on how we prepare ourselves mentally and physically, so yes, we can progress.

“We could not have chosen who to meet at the AFCON finals. All we can do is prepare well. We are neither scared nor underrating opponents. We believe in our boys that with determination, we can reach the next round,” said Mwase.

FAM President Walter Nyamilandu, who accompanied Mwase to the draw, said: “Fear no evil. It’s time to grab the bull by the horns. The Flames are determined to be the dark horses at AFCON Cameroon 2022. Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses but we trust in Almighty Living Nyamilandu and Mwase in Cameroun God. He has not taken us this far for nothing.”

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Mzava with Nyamilandu

Captain Limbikani Mzava speaks on AFCON draw

FNL: What was your immediate reaction to we have no reason to feel inferior. We are going the draw there to give it our best shot for the sake of the country. If we are to progress, then names alone LM: There is no easy teams at AFCON and of should not striker fear in our hearts. course we are one of the minnows, but we could not have asked for anything better. To me I think FNL: What stage would you want the Flames it was a fair draw for us. With good planning and to reach? preparations, we should sneak through. We have not gone beyond the group stages, FNL: You are in the same group with so I reckon that I that should be our target and Senegal, which is the highest ranked team looking at the squad we have, we can achieve on the continent. Does that scare you? that. Those that will underrate us will do it at their own peril, but I believe we have what it takes to LM: Of course, they are in a class of their own. We cause an upset. This is football and anything can respect them. But I do not fear them. We qualified happen. We just need to have hunger. for the tournament just like any other team and www.fam.mw | page - 10 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

AFCON draw analysis by David Kanyenda

The order of fixtures also appears favourable to the Flames.

Malawi starts with Guinea in a must win game. But Senegal will be expected to easily beat Zimbabwe in the other match.

After match day 1, it could be Malawi and Senegal on 3 points each.

Malawi will then face Zimbabwe, who will need a win or a draw to stay in contention. If Malawi wins again then we qualify with a game to spare. Guinea will be facing Senegal and may well lose again.

By the time we play Senegal, maybe they would already have qualified and may rest some key players like Mendy.

Kanyenda Or they may have a key player like Mane injured or suspended.

It’s very exciting times for us soccer fans now that Definitely our lads would have grown used to the Malawi is once again part of the conversation tournament football and may well get something about continental football. out of the Senegal match.

The teams in our Group B were not top seeds in Guinea and Zimbabwe both will not have a their pots. Guinea was the lowest ranked team in chance to secure maximum points in the last pot 2. game either.

Zimbabwe was last but one in pot 3 and the gap If we manage to beat Guinea there’s a chance in our rankings is narrow as they are placed on we could finish ahead of them on head-to-head 17th position while we were ranked 19th. Senegal results, should we eventually tie-on points. was the only non-champion in pot 1. Plus, there’s a chance to qualify amongst 4 best Statistically it’s a fair group. If you had offered 3rd placed teams although we should aim to me this group before the draw, I’d have promptly finish 2nd and be assured of outright progression snatched it from your hands. into round of 16.

You can’t undermine any opponent but the stats Many factors on paper look favourable to us. don’t lie and these show that our opponents weren’t regarded as top seeds in their pots. Now that we know the identity of our opponents, the order of fixtures and our location shall we Both Zimbabwe and Guinea were in the bottom thoroughly prepare in all aspects including but end of their pots in terms of sporting ranking. not limited to technical and logistical.

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QUICK FACTS about Flames in Cameroon away from hotel. • Malawi are in Group B alongside • The Flames will play their first match on Senegal, Guinea and Zimbabwe 10th January and must be in Cameroun • Group B will be based in Bafoussam, at least five days earlier. west of Cameroun which has a Flames Fixtures population of 350,000 Monday 10th January 2022 • The Flames will be based at Hotel La Guinea vs Malawi @ 17:00 hrs Vallée alongside Guinea • The Flames will be training at Stade Friday 14th January 2022 Municipal de Bafang which is 13 Malawi vs Zimbabwe @ 17 Hours kilometers away from the hotel • Group B matches will be played at Tuesday 18th January 2022 20,000 sitter capacity Stade omnisports Malawi vs Senegal @17:00 de Bafoussam which is 75 kilometers

Yamikani Chester fighting for the ball with a Cameroonian player www.fam.mw | page - 12 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

John Banda in action against Cameroun

We can get a result in Younde—CJ

The Flames begin their FIFA World Cup Qatar for CAF awards. But it came as a result of poor second round Qualifiers away to Cameroun concentration. We had them through the match on September 3 and vice-captain but they capitalised on our mistake. If we keep believes they can get a result in Younde if they disciplined for the entire match as we did in the stay focused for the whole 90 minutes. first half that afternoon then we can get a result in Younde,” said Banda. Banda is one of the eight players in the current squad who started in Malawi last match against After Friday’s match, the Flames will travel to Cameroun in Yaounde on October 12 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa to face Mozambique a 2019 AFCON qualifier which Flames lost 1-0. on September 7 at Orlando Stadium.

The Flames put a brave performance restricting The match is being played in South Africa after the hosts to few openings. They held on for CAF declared Malawian stadiums unfit to host the opening 15 minutes of the second before international A Matches. Germany-based forward Eric Maxim Choupo- Moting beat goalkeeper Charles Swini in the 61st Banda, who plies his trade in Mozambique, said minute. about the game: “Mozambique have been a Banda said if they had not lost concentration, tough opponent. We have not beaten them in the they would have won the game. last three matches at COSAFA and that shows that shows we have another big task in Mozambique.” “It was a great goal that was even nominated www.fam.mw | page - 13 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

Head-to-head - Malawi Vs Cameroun

HOME P W D L F A Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifiers 2 0 1 1 1 3 World Cup Qualifiers 1 0 1 0 1 1 Olympic Qualifiers 1 0 1 0 1 1 All Africa Games Finals (Play Off) 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 4 0 3 1 3 5

AWAY P W D L F A Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifiers 2 0 1 1 0 1 World Cup Qualifiers 1 0 0 1 0 3 Olympic Qualifiers 1 0 0 1 0 3 All Africa Games Finals (Play Off) 1 1 0 0 3 1 TOTAL 5 1 1 3 3 8

AGGREGATE P W D L F A Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifiers 4 0 2 2 1 4 World Cup Qualifiers 2 0 1 1 1 4 Olympic Qualifiers 2 0 1 1 1 4 All Africa Games Finals (Play Off) 1 1 0 0 3 1 TOTAL 9 1 4 4 6 13

63- Number of players used by Flames in the 3 pictures and the following played four matches, the most so far. Young Chimodzi, John Dzimbili and Holman Malunga

6- Flames have scored 6 goals in the nine fixture and Lawrence Waya, who scored a brace in one game is the top scorer with three goals.

2 – Only two clean sheets have been kept in nine matches by Ganizani Masiye and Charles Swini

5- The number of times Malawi has failed to score

2- The best unbeaten sequence was 2 games, 2D between 20 Jul 1980 to 17 Jun 1987

4- The worst run sequence was 4 games twice 2D and 2L between 29 Jun 1980 to 12 Jul 1987 and 08 Jan 1995 to 16 Oct 2018

1-The worst losing sequence was 2 games between 16 Jul 1995 to 12 Oct 2018

www.fam.mw | page - 14 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 Head-to-head - Malawi vs Mozambique

HOME P W D L F A Friendly 15 7 5 3 18 12 Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifiers 2 1 1 0 3 1 Africa Championship Nations 2 2 0 0 5 1 COSAFA 2 1 1 0 4 3 TOTAL 21 11 7 3 30 17

AWAY P W D L F A Friendly 8 5 1 2 10 6 Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifiers 2 0 1 1 2 3 Africa Championship Nations 2 0 0 2 0 2 COSAFA 5 0 2 3 3 8 TOTAL 17 5 4 8 15 19

AGGREGATE P W D L F A Friendly 23 12 6 5 28 18 Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifiers 4 1 2 1 5 4 Africa Championship Nations 4 2 0 2 5 3 COSAFA 7 1 3 3 7 11 38 16 11 11 45 36

200- Number of players used by Malawi in the 36 fixtures.

45- Number of goals scored by Malawi. Four players namely Stock Dandize, Joseph Makoloni, Ganizani Malunga and Muziipasi Mwangonde have all scored a brace in a match against Mozambique.

11- Number of clean sheets kept by Malawi by the following goalkeepers: Navigator Dzinkambani, Donex Gondwe, James Mandabwe, Simplex Nthala, Bothwel Kuwanda, Clement Mkwalula and Swadick Sanudi

12- Number of matches Malawi has failed to score

8- The best unbeaten sequence was 8 games; 3W and 5D between 16 Aug 1983 to 28 Sep 1988

6- Worst run sequence was the last 6 games 3D and 3L between 28 Mar 2010 to 11 Jul 2021

4. The best winning sequence was 4 games between 17 Aug 1991 to 22 Feb 1997

3- The worst losing sequence was 3 games between 12 Apr 2008 to 25 Oct 2009

* Stats by Mario Antonie www.fam.mw | page - 15 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

Ngwenya in action against

Kieran Ngwenya to miss World Cup qualifiers

Scotland based defender Kieran Ngwenya has their respective bases on Monday and will join been ruled of the Flames two FIFA World Cup the local players in enroute to Yaoundé. Qatar 2022 qualifiers against Cameroun and Mozambique due to United Kingdom’s Covid-19 The Flames will face Cameroun on Friday in travel restrictions. Yaoundé before hosting Mozambique at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on September Ngwenya will not travel to avoid a mandatory 10- 7. day quarantine upon his return from South Africa, which is on UK’s red list. Full Squad Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali (Silver Strikers), FAM competitions and communications Richard Chipuwa (Be Forward Wanderers), Ernest director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed the Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets) development, saying Flames coach Meck Mwase has decided to excuse the defender for the two Defenders: Stanley Sanudi (Be Forward matches. Wanderers), Peter Cholopi (Be Forward Wanderers), Nickson Nyasulu (Nyasa Big Bullets), “We understand his situation on the Covid-19 Limbikani Mzava (AmaZulu), Dennis Chembezi risks. Last time he came for his debut in Tanzania (Polokwane City), Charles Petro (Sheriff Tiraspol), he had to endure a 14-day isolation and we Gomezgani Chirwa (Nyasa Big Bullets). thought he should not go through the same again,” said Zakazaka Midfielders: Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Peter Banda (Simba SC), Chimwemwe Idana (Nyasa Meanwhile Mwase has recalled Nyasa Big Bullets Big Bullets), John Banda (UD Songo) Yamikani defender Nixon Nyasulu to replace Silver Strikers Chester (Be Forward Wanderers), Gerald Phiri defender Nixon Mwase who tested positive to Jnr (Baroka FC), Tawonga Chimodzi (Omon Covid-19 on Wednesday. Aradippou), Mike Mkwate (Polokwane FC), Francisco Madinga (FC Dila Gori) Blue Eagles Winger Micium Mhone has also been ruled due to an injury he picked on club duty. Strikers: Vincent Nyangulu (Be Forward Wanderers) Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), The local players and technical team left on Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates), Khuda Monday for Cameroun via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Muyaba (Polokwane FC) All other foreign based players will also leave www.fam.mw | page - 16 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 Scorchers aim for COSAFA Final The Malawi National Women’s Football Team will “Last year we reached the last four and we have aim to reach their first ever COSAFA Women’s to better that result. Unlike last year, our league is Championship in South Africa from September now active and the girls should be at their best in 28 to October 9. South Africa,” said Ngwira.

The Scorchers, who have never been in the final, Meanwhile, FAM has appointed Andrew Chikhosi were last year eliminated in the semi-final by and Mcnebert Kazuwa as caretaker coaches as South Africa after going down 6-2. This was a the association is in the process of finalising the second semi-final defeat to South Africa following appointment of a permanent coach. a 5-1 loss in 2011 in Zimbabwe. “We hope to have the permanent coach in place Ironically, Malawi have been drawn against by the time we go to South Africa but for the South Africa in Group alongside Angola and meantime, the two will take charge,” said Ngwira. Mozambique. The team is expected to go into camp early September. Malawi faces a big test of their credentials to reach the final as they will face South Africa in the Scorchers are using the competition to prepare for opening match on September 28. 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as they are scheduled to play Zambia in the FIFA National Women’s Football Association international window that runs from October 18 chairperson Suzgo Ngwira said they have to to 26. better last year’s results. COSAFA Full Fixture 28th September 2021 South Africa vs Malawi | 1st October 2021 Malawi vs Mozambique 4th October 2021 Malawi vs. Angola

Scorchers vs South Africa at last year’s COSAFA www.fam.mw | page - 17 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 Under 20 championship

North vs South in action Centre vs Eastern Region in action

Nyamilandu Patrick Mabedi

Centre and South in action Centre and Eastern in action www.fam.mw | page - 18 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

Central Region pose with the trophy Central Region win FAM U20 Championship Central Region on Sunday emerged champions group of 80 players and we will come up with a of the inaugural FAM Under 20 National squad of 30 players who we will announce in due championship after winning all their matches at course and from here we plan to hold a training the two-day event held at Mangochi Stadium over camp soon,” said Mabedi. with weekend. FAM President Walter Nyamilandu said the They finished top of group with nine points after association has changed the strategy for beating Southern Region 4-2, Northern Region identifying talent to ensure players selected 2-0 and Eastern Region 4-0. remain in the team for a minimum of two years.

Eastern Region finished second with four points “In the past we would do this exercise three weeks after beating North 2-1 and drawing 3-3 with before a tournament and selected players just South. for that particular tournament. But now we are targeting players that will be with the team up to North finished third with three points with a single 2023 for the AFCON. win over South who finished bottom with just a point. “This means Mabedi and his panel have a year and a half to work with these boys before the The event was aimed at giving a platform for AFCON qualifiers in December 2022. But the Under-20 coach Patrick Mabedi and his panel to door is not closed for other players who did not select players for the Under-20National team and come here. Every player who is good enough he said he was impressed with the talent he saw. and is within the age bracket, whether they play in Super league or outside the country, will be “I am satisfied with the quality of the players that considered for selection,” said Nyamilandu. we have picked. I am particularly impressed with height of most of the lads and we will have a strong Malawi is set to participate at this year’s COSAFA team that will ably compete at the international Youth Championship to be held in South Africa in level. December.

“I should thank FAM for the exercise because this Next year’s COSAFA Championship will be used is how players are identified elsewhere. We had a as a qualifier for the 2023 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Part of action between Centre and Eastern Region

All the Results at the FAM Under 20 Championship

29th August

Central Region 2 (Frank Mahowa 26’, Fatsani Chiusiwa 57’): Northern Region 0

Eastern Region 2 (Roben White 23’ 47’): Northern Region 1 (Vincent Mkwanda 78’)

Eastern Region 3 (Charles Ali 35’ 40’ 45’): Southern Region 3 (John Fatsani 22’, Blessings Mbesa 56’, Hajab Fatchi 60)

28th August

Central Region 4 (Robert Size 32’, 55’, Chuma Takula 59’, Frank Mahowa 60): Southern Region 2 (Gift Jossam 15’ (pen), Samson Sokanya 46’)

Northern Region 2 (Godwill Kanyika, Vincent Mkandawire): Southern Region 0

Central Region 4 (Madalitso Khamula, Robert Saizi, Lyod Arnold, Chuma Tukula): Eastern Region 0

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Bullets maintain 3-point lead

TNM Super League leaders Nyasa Big Bullets Bottom-placed Warriors have 17 points from 28 beat relegation-threatened Chitipa United 2-0 on games behind third-from-bottom Chitipa’s 26 29 August to remain three points clear of second- points from 28 matches. placed Silver Strikers. Up the table, Karonga United and Mighty Striker Hassan Kajoke scored for a second Wanderers are on third and fourth places with successive game followed by Chiukepo Msowoya 43 points and 42 points from 26 and 24 games at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre as Bullets moved each. to 55 points from 26 games. Down the table, Mighty Tigers did their survival Bullets are chasing a 15th overall league title and hopes justice when they beat Chitipa 1-0 via third on the spin for Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Precious Chipungu’s goal to take the Kau Kau Pasuwa. tally to 28 points while lying fourth from bottom.

The Malawi champions will also have to TNM Super League fixtures: participate in the CAF Champions league having been drawn against AmaZulu of South Africa. 4th September In Lilongwe, Silver have 52 points from 26 Ntopwa FC vs Tigers FC @ Kamuzu Stadium matches after they tore apart relegation-bound Mzuzu Warriors vs TN Stars @ Mzuzu Stadium Mzuzu Warriors 7-0 at Silver Stadium. Red Lions vs Blue Eagles @ Mpira Stadium

Striker Staine Davie scored twice and Blessings 5th September Tembo, Levison Maganizo, Chinsinsi Maonga Ekwendeni Hammers vs Karonga United @ and Zebron Kalima scored the other goals for the Mzuzu Dan Kabwe side.

TEAMS / STATISTICS P W D L PT

NYASA BIG BULLETS 26 16 7 3 55

SILVER STRIKERS 26 16 4 6 52

KARONGA UNITED 26 12 7 7 43

BE FORWARD WANDERERS 24 11 9 4 42

MOYALE 26 11 8 7 41

CIVIL SERVICE F.C 26 9 11 6 38

T N STARS 25 11 5 9 38

MAFCO F.C 26 9 10 7 37

EKWENDENI HAMMERS 25 10 6 9 36

KAMUZU BARRACKS 27 8 11 8 35

RED LIONS 26 9 7 10 34

BLUE EAGLES 27 6 10 11 28

TIGERS F.C 27 7 7 13 28

CHITIPA UNITED 28 7 5 16 26 Bullets cerebrate their goal against Chitipa United NTOPWA F.C 27 5 6 16 21 www.fam.mw | page - 21 MZUZU WARRIORS F.C 28 4 5 19 17 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 FDH Bank Cu p

FDH MD Williams Mpinganjira present a man-of-the-match cheque to Blessings Tembo of Silver Strikers

Mpinganjira presents a trophy to Tembo Mpinganjira presents a trophy to Mpinganjira

FDH’s Ronald Chimchere presents a man of the match award to Festus Chikwezga of FDH Bank official present a cheque to Patrick Banda of Ekwendeni Rumphi United www.fam.mw | page - 22 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

Silver Strikers celebrate the victory

Silver completes FDH Bank semi-final list

Silver Strikers on August 18 completed the FDH Bullets made late substitutions, replacing Bank semi-final list after defeating Nyasa Big Chimwemwe Idana and Rabson Chiyenda with Bullets 4-2 in post-match penalties following a Henry Kabichi and Ernest Kakhobwe preparing two-all draw in normal time. for the post penalties.

Hassan Kajoke’s 4th minute header gave Bullets During the shoot-out, Silver goalkeeper Charles an early lead before Stain Davie came in with an Thom saved Sankhani Mkandawire and Henry equaliser 10 minutes before the end of the first Kabichi’s spot kicks while Yamikani Fodya and half. Chimango Kayira scored for the Poeples Team. For Silver Chisomo Mpachika, Patrick Macheso, Zicco Mkanda put Bullets back in the lead just Levison Maganizo and Mark Fodya were all on four minutes into the second half. But once again target. Stain Davie came to the Bankers rescue as he claimed his brace after heading in a Blessings In the semi-finals, Silver Strikers will meet Be Tembo’s free-kick in the 65th minute to bring Forward Wanderers, who beat Mafco 2-0. In Silver back on level. the other semi-final, Ekwendeni Hammers, who beat Ntopwa FC 2-0, will face lower league The two sides continued to pressurise each in side Rumphi United, who beat fellow non-Super search of a winner to no avail. League side Dedza Young Soccer 4-1.

www.fam.mw | page - 23 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021 Quarterfinal 8th August - Kamuzu Stadium Be Forward Wanderers 2 (Vincent Nyangulu Full Results 20’, Vitumbiko Kumwenda 42’): Mafco 0

7th August - Mzuzu Stadium Be Forward Wanderers: Richard Chipuwa, Alfred Manyozi, Yunusa Sheriff, Peter Cholopi, Ekwendeni Hammers 2 (Jack Maulana 8’, Stanley Sanudi, Francis Mlimbika, Yamikani Egdar Mgagama 90’): Ntopwa United 0 Chester, Isaac Kaliati, Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Peter Wadabwa (Simeon Sings 52’), Vincent Ekwendeni Hammers: Chancy Mtete, Emmanuel Nyangulu (Misheck Botoman 85’) Kaonga, Jack Maulana, Jimmy Msiska, Harry Nyirenda, Eneya Banda (Edgar Mgagama 70’), Mafco: Jailos Kapalamura, Paul Ndhlovu, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Patrick Banda, Sammy Vitumbiko Phiri, Dan Chimbalanga, Aubrey Phiri (Blessings Singini 70’) Brian Phiri, Chancy Chafewa, Morris Chiumia, Gift Soko (Stainalata Kaonga. 68’), Emmanuel Chipeta (Joseph Donsa 50’), Paul Phiri (Alexander Sikwambe 68’), Zikani Sichinga, Ntopwa FC: Richard Mwaila, Mark Lameck, Walusungu Mpata Happy Kasamba, Lloyd Mugara, Chikumbutso Banda, Chisomo Chawanda, Glem Lemera Man of the match: Stanley Sanudi- Be Forward (Ellard Chigwetsa 75’), Mphatso Magaleta, Victor Wanderers Chirambo, Jawado Kanjuzi (Kondwani Saizi 75’), Hendrix Misinde 18th August - Silver Stadium

Man of the match: Patrick Banda- Ekwendeni Silver Strikers 2 (Stain Davie 35’ 65’): Nyasa Hammers Big Bullets 2 (Hassan Kajoke 4’, Zicco Mkanda 49’) 7th August - Nankhaka Stadium (Silver Strikers win 4-2 on post-match Dedza Young Soccer 1 (Ernest Mdapeza penalties.) 68’): Rumphi United 4 (Foster Kanyenda 52’, Festus Chikwezga 54’, Trouble Kajani 63’, Silver Strikers: Charles Thom, Mike Roberts, Gerald Ngwira 76’) Maxwell Paipi, Chisomo Mpachika, Mishe k Malaisha (Prince Phiri 36’), Blessings Tembo, Dedza Young Soccer: Ackim Leonard (Caxton Young Chimodzi Jnr (Chikondi Kamanga 64’), Chiphaka 63’), Rashid Siffat, George Mponda, Levison Maganizo, Thuso Paipi (Mark Fodya 36’), Cosmas Maulana, Clifford Makainga, Thandizo Stain Davie (Patrick Macheso 71’), Frank Banda Chimwala, Felix Msowoya, Ernest Mdapeza, Mike (Maxwell Phodo 64’) Makiyi, Innocent Kathumba, Chenjerani Abudula. Nyasa Big Bullets: Rabaon Chiyenda (Ernest Rumphi United: Innocent Nyasulu, Zebron Kakhobwe 89’), Eec Kaonga (Yamikani Fodya 46’), Mwaseke, Mwiza Mgala, Mabvuto Gondwe, Nickson Nyasulu, Chimango Kayira, Sankhani Wally Gondwe, Gerald Ngwira, Foster Kanyenda, Mkandawire, Hassan Kajoke (Lanjesi Nkhoma Wellington Mkandawire, Trouble Kajani, 70’) Chinwemwe Idana (Henry Kabichi 89’), Edward Mkandawire (Alick Harawa 60’), Festus Bright Munthali, MacFallen Mgwira, Gomezgani Chikwezga (Waliko Chaula 60’). Chirwa, Zicco Mkanda (Precious Phiri 71’)

Man of the match: Festus Chikwezga - Rumphi Man of the match: Blessing Tembo- Silver United Strikers

www.fam.mw | page - 24 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

Chombo-SAdik continues men’s game dominance

Maggie Chombo Sadik is no stranger to defying odds in Men’s Football.

As a youngster growing up in the ‘90s when there were no Women Football structures in place, she played in boys competitive Leagues and ably stood the heat.

If females were allowed to play in men’s top level football structures in Malawi, she would have easily made at the top level.

Now into coaching, the former Malawi National Women’s football captain and coach is dominating the men’s game yet again.

She owns and coaches Maggie Chombo Academy which plays in the highly competitive First Capital Bank Blantyre District Under-20 League.

She has guided her team to second top finish after the round at the expense of highly fancied sides like former national champions Griffin Youngsters and Be Wanderers Youth.

Chombo Academy finished with 30 points from 15 games after nine wins, three draws and three loses and sit just two points behind leaders Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves.

In fact, they would have finished top two points clear of Bullets had they not dropped points when they lost 2-0 to Manchester Motor Spares FC and drawing 1-1 with Griffin in their last two matches.

“We had a very good start of the season after a long break and the boys are doing well. Despite dropping crucial four points at the end of the first round. I am proud of my boys.

“My vision is to win the district championship and go all the way to the national championship. I am still sharpening my coaching skills and one day I Chombo will coach in the Super League,” she said.

www.fam.mw | page - 25 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

FCB U-20 League first round completed

The 2021 First Capital Bank Under-20 League while the latter want to prove their powers. So far, first round came to on 22nd August with teams in it is only Northern Region-based Sanwecka FC, all the 14 districts across the country the 2019 national champions, who have shown resilience and are leading the Mzuzu City table. The league resumed on 19th June after a year- This shows how everyone is excited with the return long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. of the league after a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic. National Youth Football Association general secretary James Sawerengera said the 2021 “Administratively, the league is enjoying high season is very competitive as new teams are level organisation in all the districts and players, displacing old one on the tables and the teams team officials and match officials have all been have exercised discipline in the first round of the disciplined so far because we have had no news league. of match abandonment and violence at any of our games,” said Sawerengera. “We started our season on a very good note and the first half of the 2021 season has been According to Sawerengera, a total of 172 have very exciting. We have seen the 2019 district been registered this year against the 164 teams champions finding it hard to set the pace of which were registered in 2019. defending their championships. The 2021 FCB Under-20 national championship “New teams are giving pressure to the old ones will be held on 18th December.

Sanwecka are top in Mzuzu www.fam.mw | page - 26 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

CY Sisters Sunshine, BT Zero-win FAM Women’s Leagues CY Sisters, DD Sunshine and Blantyre Zero have 100 percent record finishing with 42 points from won the FAM League champions for the Northern, 14 games. They scored 116 goals against 3 Central and Southern Regions. In the Central Region DD Sunshine won the league Sisters claimed the championship with a game with a game to spare after beating Ascent 1-0 to spare on August 23 after defeating defending on Monday August 30 and have 39 points from champions Moyale Sisters 1-0 courtesy of 13 games. They have scored 84 goals against 5 Vitumbiko Kumwenda’s goal. goals.

They won their last game against Gafu Sisters The North and South have completed their games to finish with 42 points after winning all their 14 while the Centre will finish on September 9. games. The scores 116 goals and conceded just 3. Top teams in each regional qualifying for the national championship to be held between In the South, Blantyre Zero also finished with a October and November.

CY Sisters www.fam.mw | page - 27 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

NORTHERN REGION LOG TABLE (as at 1st Septermber 2021) Pos Team P W D L F A +- Pts 1 CY Sisters 14 14 0 0 116 3 113 42 2 Moyale Sisters 14 10 2 2 96 10 86 32 3 Topik 14 9 2 3 48 16 32 29 4 MK Academy 14 6 4 4 22 18 4 22 5 Ekwendeni Sisters 14 6 2 6 28 23 5 20 6 Gafu Sisters 14 2 1 11 9 112 -103 7 7 Chicago Sisters 14 1 2 11 9 81 -72 5 8 Sanweka Sisters 14 1 1 12 8 73 -65 4

CENTRAL REGION LOG TABLE (as at 1st September 2021) Pos Team P W D L F A +- Pts 1 DD Sunshine 13 13 0 0 84 5 79 39 2 Skippers 12 9 2 1 83 11 72 29 3 Ascent Academy 11 8 0 3 73 9 64 24 4 TC 11 FC 12 5 2 4 23 24 -1 20 5 Chisomo Academy 13 5 1 7 13 46 -33 16 6 Destiny Academy 13 3 2 8 11 38 -27 11 7 Hungry Lions 13 1 2 10 8 63 -55 5 8 Chilinde Queens 13 0 1 12 3 102 -99 1

SOUTHERN REGION LOG TABLE (as at 1st September 2021) Pos Team P W D L F A +- Pts 1 Blantyre Zero 14 14 0 0 148 4 144 42 2 Ntopwa 14 11 0 3 82 11 71 33 3 Bangwe Super Queens 14 7 2 5 22 22 0 23 4 Attu Bullets 14 5 3 6 22 37 15 18 5 Evirom 14 5 2 7 16 40 -24 17 6 Blantyre Hotspurs 14 4 1 9 26 50 -24 13 7 Chikwawa Queens 14 3 3 8 13 80 -67 12 8 Sitima Yoce 14 1 1 12 11 96 85 4

www.fam.mw | page - 28 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

Bullets Reserves with the trophy

Bullets Reserve win Powerstart Tayale Top 8

Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve are the inaugural Powerstart Limited Chief Executive Officer Itayi champions of the Powerstart Tayale Top 8 Cup Chidzero said the company would continue after beating Changalume Barracks 1-0 at Balaka sponsoring the competition as part of promoting Stadium on 1 August. football in the country.

Chikumbutso Salima scored the lone goal in the For emerging champions, Bullets Reserve pocketed 61st minute to hand his side victory. K1 million while runners-up Changalume got K650,000. Bullets Reserve head coach Enos Chatama said he was impressed with his team’s performance in Immigration beat Blantyre City 4-1 for third and the competition. fourth-place spots.

“We planned to score two quick goals in the first Changalume Barracks playmaker Dave Major half but that was not the case since Changalume was voted as the player-of-the-tournament and defended excellently. Nevertheless, we are happy he received K50,000 while Patrick Mwaungulu to emerge winners. We are happy that we did won the top goal-scorer accolade after banging not concede a goal throughout the competition,” in nine goals. He also received K50,000. Chatama said.

www.fam.mw | page - 29 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

FAM salutes Nyasa Big Bullets

FAM President Walter Nyamilandu says an important in exposing local players to Nyasa Big Bullets’ exploits at the CECAFA international football. Club Championship, where they finished as runners-up as guest participants, shows the “How Bullets performance at the tournament country’s club can achieve more if they play shows that our clubs can stand the heat in regular international football. international club football if they play regularly.

Bullets lost 1-0 to Uganda champions Uganda “We hope to get more of these opportunities so Express FC in the final at the Benjamin Mkapa that the players become strong by mastering Stadium on August 14. the tricks of playing in Africa which will translate to Flames success,” said Nyamilandu. Nyamilandu said such tournaments play

Chiukepo Msowoya scores a penalty in one of the games www.fam.mw | page - 30 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

Banda, Nyoni move to Simba FC

Nyasa Big Bullets winger and Silver Strikers support. attacker Duncan Nyoni in August joined ambitious

Tanzanian outfit Simba FC in multimillion kwacha “Thank you, Nyasa Big Bullets family, from the away p l aying deals. technical team, management and everyone involved at day-by-day activities at the club for Banda was spent six months on loan at Moldova the memories and also to thanks the players National Division champions Tiraspol Sheriff for their contribution and efforts in helping me but the club did not activate the clause for the become better. Thank you for allowing me be permanent transfer before July 31 2021. part of the family over the years who Jah bless no man curse,” Banda said soon after signing and The Flames winger said he was excited to be part joining the team on pre-season tour in Morocco. of the Simba family and thanked Bullets for the

Peter Banda www.fam.mw | page - 31 FAM Monthly Newsletter - August 2021

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