![Celebrations on Fisds bench...Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Fisds Wizards TNM Super League hopes of surviving relegation are still alive after they eased to victory against Dedza Young Soccer in a first half drama encounter at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
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![Ernest Tambe shielding the ball..Photo Jeromy Kadewere.]()
Ernest Tambe shielding the ball..Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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![Part of the action between Wizards and Young Soccer...Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Part of the action between Wizards and Young Soccer...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Dedza Young Soccer official exchanging bitter words with security man... .Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Dedza Young Soccer official exchanging bitter words with security man... .Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![The fourth official being prevented to go to Dedza bench ... ...Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
The fourth official being prevented to go to Dedza bench ... ...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Disagreements....Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Disagreements....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Celebrations on Fisds bench...Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Celebrations on Fisds bench...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Heads down for Dedza Young Soccer ... Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Heads down for Dedza Young Soccer ... Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Peter Mponda glimmer of hope...Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Peter Mponda glimmer of hope...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Peter Mponda glimmer of hope...Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Peter Mponda glimmer of hope...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Mike Nkwate was voted man of match... Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Mike Nkwate was voted man of match... Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Sulom Vice President Daudi Sulemani with the players... .Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Sulom Vice President Daudi Sulemani with the players... .Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Hands up for Fisds players...Photo Jeromy Kadewere.J]()
Hands up for Fisds players...Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
The Chilomoni township based out-fit win gave them a glimmer of hope to survive the chop in the elite league if they are going to win the rest four of their matches.
Despite the high stakes, in practice Fisds Wizards had no trouble with a Dedza side that many soccer pundits predicted an easy win in Blantyre.
Man of the match Mike Nkwate scored a brace in the first half before Godfrey Masonda formely of Big Bullets nailed the last nail on the visitors coffin.
However, there was drama in the early kick-off of the match, when the referee sent Dedza Young Soccer coach Pofera Jegwe and his two colleagues to the stands for manhandling the fourth officials.
Jegwe and the other two officials were not happy with the linesman decision allowing Fisds to continue playing while the ball went outside.
A furious Jegwe in a black suit rushed to the fourth official together with the other two Dedza officials, where bitter words were exchanged.
It had to take an intervention of two policemen and Super League of Malawi vice President Daudi Suleman to calm the situation.
Tempers flared on the VIP stands, where some supporters mocked the other officials, who nearly exchanged blows with them.
Back on the pitch, Fisds was a marvel to watch with carpet football from the back to upfront.
Ernest Tambe was the main character for Fisds, as he controlled the midfield outplaying the visitors.
Nkwate was also languid style sees him painted as something of an enigma, but when he moves so silkily, dictating the tempo in this fashion, he looked a player of the highest quality.
If Nkwate is the man who provides the brushstrokes on Fisds canvas when they are playing well, then Tambe is the energiser, a perpetual motion combination of intensity and talent that can prove irresistible.
Fisds did not only get a world-class midfielder, they acquired a character who can set the tone for a performance with his work ethic and desire.
He proved it here, not just with chocolate passes but with his relentless determination to win the ball back when possession was lost, a prime example being in the first half when he chased back 40 yards down Fisds left-flank to make three tackles before eventually securing the ball.
Can Fisds come through?
Fisds are more than capable of getting the victory they require against some of the four teams left to play with if they will continue with Saturdays perfomance.
They possess more quality than any other team in the League - but can they deliver when it matters?
The question now is whether this Fisds side can be trusted when the pressure is at its highest in the last four matches.
Post-match comments
Fisds coach Peter Mponda: "It was a good game but l must salute my boys because this is a timely victory as we battle to survive in the League. We wanted to come out of today with a chance and now we've got it. Now it's down to how well we do against the remaining matches."
Dedza Young Soccer coach Pofera Jegwe: "Today Fisds was the much better team, they were much better than when we played in Dedza.
"I'm sure they can survive. They have a big chance. They have a lot of quality players despite lacking experience.”
Kamuzu Stadium jinx for Wizards
Earlier FISD Wizzards expressed their concern on Super League of Malawi’s decision to reschedule their game against Dedza from Kalulu Stadium in Nchalo to Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Wizzards’ chairperson Mike Tembo questioned Malawi top league runners’ decision to move the game from the traditional home base to Blantyre.
Tembo’s concern in the wake of the team’s fairytale run having managed to collect seven points out of a possible nine as they make a dramatic late bid to stay in Malawi’s to league.
“We surprised that Sulom decided the game to Kamuzu Stadium while they know that our home ground is Kalulu Stadium. This is unacceptable because it’s against home right,” Tembo said.
Vice chairperson George Kapachika said the team had decided to respect the changes in the interest of football development and sponsors’ sake.
Kapachika said efforts to reason with Sulom to have the game played at their backyard had proved futile.
“We are playing under protest because Sulom has violated our right of home ground. We are doing this for the sake of football as well as out of respect for our sponsors,” Kapachika said.
Sulom General Secretary Williamns Banda downplayed the situation saying the change was done because the game was a special game as the sponsors would like to hold activities.
But Banda did not disclose the nature of the activities TNM would do at Kamuzu Stadium which could not be done at Kalulu Stadium.
FISD, formerly Surestream, have beaten Airborne Rangers and Kamuzu Barracks and held struggling giants Silver Strikers to a two-all draw in the second round.
William Banda: Sulom mediates Wanderers standoff[/caption]
After Wanderers against Blue Eagles game last week, a certain section of supporters fired the current executive committee only maintaining Mike Butao as the general secretary.
However, Sulom intervened to mediate the two camps to sort out their wrangles.
In a letter dated 24 November 2015, signed by Sulom general secretary Williams Banda reads: “We write to advise that following the meeting between Super League of Malawi and Be Forward Wanderers on the impasse that was there the following has been agreed: That the incumbent executive committee led by Mr. George Chamangwana complete their tenure of office.”
Banda said they have also agreed that the Be Forward Wanderers Trustees call for an Elective Annual General Meeting at the end of the 2015 TNM Super League Season.
“That current committee should prepare and present reports at the AGM. Audited accounts and a copy of their statutes should be submitted to SULOM. SULOM to preside over the elections,” said Banda.
This season the Nomads won the Carlsberg Cup after clipping Big Bullets 2-1 before reaching the Standard Bank Cup finals where they lost 1-0 to Civo United.
However, in the league things are all not rosy for the Nomads as they occupy seventh position.
Yabwanya: FAM presidential hopeful[/caption]
In his manifesto titled ‘A road map to redefine Malawi’s Football Destiny’ Yabwanya says his vision is to transform Malawi football into a force to be reckoned with it.
Yabwanya, who is expected to jet in the country on Sunday from Canada where he is residing, said the success of any national team or its clubs depends on the production of talented youth players coming through the ranks hence, he will re-introduce under 15, 16, 17 and 18 to 23 development levels throughout Malawi.
“Malawi needs change in football leadership and how FAM governs our game. I am committed to advance our football transformation through infrastructure and grass root soccer development.
“ I will promote a culture of accountability and transparency to regain trust and credibility to the satisfaction of all our stakeholders,” said Yabwanya.
He said he will manage the FAM economic affairs with integrity and boost its revenue and distribute the funds more fairly and consistently to all aspect of football development.
A marketing graduate also said he will encourage debate, allow different views and embrace constructive criticism, in a way of rebuilding and developing Malawi football.
“I am a firm believer of long term soccer grass root development and I will extensively embark on that. A vote for Team Yabwanya is a vote for Real Change,” he said.
He however, was quick in his manifesto to state that for this to be successful there is also need for coaches’ education and training to be paramount if the country is to produce players of exceptional quality to play professionally.
For instance, he said he has made arrangements for former Arsenal youth development coach and Australian football federation coaches to come train Malawian coaches on how to develop grassroots soccer.
He said he will introduce district coaching coordinators in all districts mandated to scout talented young players and develop them into specific programs.
Yabwanya said Football Education Programs – Two Halves to be run at a number of primary and secondary schools, this will be championed by district coaching coordinators.
He will also create school leagues in order to provide opportunities to play at a grassroots level in all 28 districts.
In womens football, he said the game has become the largest growing Sports globally and further investment should form a core part of strategic plan.
Therefore, Yabwanya said he will focus on growing and developing the women’s and girls’ game in Malawi’s 28 districts, where talented players will be identified and selected to play district tournaments.
The emphasis will be on skill development rather than the results, with the aim of encouraging lifelong participation.
“Therefore if elected as FAM President, I will develop and Establish women’s soccer at grassroots level. I will introduce Malawi Women’s Player Pathway (MWPP),” he said.
Yabwanya said the pathway will be built around the principles of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD).
He said it is sad that while the women’s game is growing rapidly around the world, Malawi lacks development in women’s soccer, despite the fact that the country has players of Tabitha Chawinga calibre who play at the highest level in the European Leagues and scores over 40 goals in a season.
He said Tabitha’s success in Europe is clear indication that if given support Malawi women’s Soccer Team would be world beaters just like their sisters in netball (the Malawi Queens.
Yabwanya will face off with the current Fam President Walter Nyamilandu and marketer Wilkins Mijiga in presidential race.
Fam goes to polls on December 12 in Mangochi.
BIOGRAPHY
Willy Yabwanya Phiri, ( born May 24th 1973) is a Marketing graduate with London chamber of commerce and Industry (LCCI). He is also an Automotive Industry Technician and a graduate of MERSETA, Johannesburg (South Africa), Computer Science, Varsity College (South Africa) and ICAR North America certification (Vancouver, Canada). Worked as an mAutobody Technician at Hugo's Panel Shop, (2000 to 2008) Pietermaritzburg (South Africa). Currently he is a Technician at Fixauto Abbotsford East, British Columbia , Canada (2008 to present.)
Having been at the centre of football development in Karonga district for the past 7years as CEO, Owner and Sponsor of YABWANYA FC and Karonga United.
Who has he endorsed to work with?
I will be honoured to work with these two accomplished Sports administrators ( Tiya Somba Banda as Vice Presidents, and ( Pikawo Ngalamira) for the 2nd Vice Presidency.
Malawi already in quarter finals of Cecafa[/caption]
The Flames qualified for the quarter-finals with a game to spare, when they beat Djibouti 3-0 on Wednesday.
The Ernest Mtawali side has now finished the group second in Group C.
Mtawali made several changes in Friday’s encounter bringing in the likes of Richard Chipuwa in goals, Sankhani Mkandawire, Yamikani Chester, Nelson Kangunje and Chawanangwa Kawonga.
South Sudan scored the first goal 5th minute into the kick-off before nailing the last nail on the Flames coffin in the dying minutes of the match.
Despite Mtawali introducing fresh legs after recess time by bringing in Chiukepo Msowoya, Gerald Phiri Junior and John Banda in for Chawanangwa Kaonga, Yamikani Chester and Chimango Kaira things did not change on the scoreboard.
South Sudan's defensive tactics paid dividends as they smiled to finish the group on top with 7 points with Malawi having six points and a point for Sudan and pointless Djibouti.
Speaking in an interview from Bahir Dar, Mtawali said he is focusing now on quarter-finals.
Ernest Tambe shielding the ball..Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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Part of the action between Wizards and Young Soccer...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Dedza Young Soccer official exchanging bitter words with security man... .Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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The fourth official being prevented to go to Dedza bench ... ...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Disagreements....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Celebrations on Fisds bench...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Heads down for Dedza Young Soccer ... Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Peter Mponda glimmer of hope...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Peter Mponda glimmer of hope...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Mike Nkwate was voted man of match... Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Sulom Vice President Daudi Sulemani with the players... .Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_98709" align="alignright" width="600"]
Hands up for Fisds players...Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
The Chilomoni township based out-fit win gave them a glimmer of hope to survive the chop in the elite league if they are going to win the rest four of their matches.
Despite the high stakes, in practice Fisds Wizards had no trouble with a Dedza side that many soccer pundits predicted an easy win in Blantyre.
Man of the match Mike Nkwate scored a brace in the first half before Godfrey Masonda formely of Big Bullets nailed the last nail on the visitors coffin.
However, there was drama in the early kick-off of the match, when the referee sent Dedza Young Soccer coach Pofera Jegwe and his two colleagues to the stands for manhandling the fourth officials.
Jegwe and the other two officials were not happy with the linesman decision allowing Fisds to continue playing while the ball went outside.
A furious Jegwe in a black suit rushed to the fourth official together with the other two Dedza officials, where bitter words were exchanged.
It had to take an intervention of two policemen and Super League of Malawi vice President Daudi Suleman to calm the situation.
Tempers flared on the VIP stands, where some supporters mocked the other officials, who nearly exchanged blows with them.
Back on the pitch, Fisds was a marvel to watch with carpet football from the back to upfront.
Ernest Tambe was the main character for Fisds, as he controlled the midfield outplaying the visitors.
Nkwate was also languid style sees him painted as something of an enigma, but when he moves so silkily, dictating the tempo in this fashion, he looked a player of the highest quality.
If Nkwate is the man who provides the brushstrokes on Fisds canvas when they are playing well, then Tambe is the energiser, a perpetual motion combination of intensity and talent that can prove irresistible.
Fisds did not only get a world-class midfielder, they acquired a character who can set the tone for a performance with his work ethic and desire.
He proved it here, not just with chocolate passes but with his relentless determination to win the ball back when possession was lost, a prime example being in the first half when he chased back 40 yards down Fisds left-flank to make three tackles before eventually securing the ball.
Can Fisds come through?
Fisds are more than capable of getting the victory they require against some of the four teams left to play with if they will continue with Saturdays perfomance.
They possess more quality than any other team in the League - but can they deliver when it matters?
The question now is whether this Fisds side can be trusted when the pressure is at its highest in the last four matches.
Post-match comments
Fisds coach Peter Mponda: "It was a good game but l must salute my boys because this is a timely victory as we battle to survive in the League. We wanted to come out of today with a chance and now we've got it. Now it's down to how well we do against the remaining matches."
Dedza Young Soccer coach Pofera Jegwe: "Today Fisds was the much better team, they were much better than when we played in Dedza.
"I'm sure they can survive. They have a big chance. They have a lot of quality players despite lacking experience.”
Kamuzu Stadium jinx for Wizards
Earlier FISD Wizzards expressed their concern on Super League of Malawi’s decision to reschedule their game against Dedza from Kalulu Stadium in Nchalo to Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Wizzards’ chairperson Mike Tembo questioned Malawi top league runners’ decision to move the game from the traditional home base to Blantyre.
Tembo’s concern in the wake of the team’s fairytale run having managed to collect seven points out of a possible nine as they make a dramatic late bid to stay in Malawi’s to league.
“We surprised that Sulom decided the game to Kamuzu Stadium while they know that our home ground is Kalulu Stadium. This is unacceptable because it’s against home right,” Tembo said.
Vice chairperson George Kapachika said the team had decided to respect the changes in the interest of football development and sponsors’ sake.
Kapachika said efforts to reason with Sulom to have the game played at their backyard had proved futile.
“We are playing under protest because Sulom has violated our right of home ground. We are doing this for the sake of football as well as out of respect for our sponsors,” Kapachika said.
Sulom General Secretary Williamns Banda downplayed the situation saying the change was done because the game was a special game as the sponsors would like to hold activities.
But Banda did not disclose the nature of the activities TNM would do at Kamuzu Stadium which could not be done at Kalulu Stadium.
FISD, formerly Surestream, have beaten Airborne Rangers and Kamuzu Barracks and held struggling giants Silver Strikers to a two-all draw in the second round.
Tambala: Ex Commercial director[/caption]
FAM conducted interviews for the position of Commercial Director to replace Dan Tambala fired on allegations of ticket fraud for the 2014 World Cup held in Argentina.
FAM General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said all was set for Malawi’s soccer governing body to unveil the new Commercial Director who will spearhead the marketing of the association.
Nyirenda said the position of Commercial Director was crucial to the association in the commercialization drive of the body.
“We been keeping this a secret for the past three months after holding interviews but now we are ready to unveil the new Commercial Director to start his work on December 1,” Nyirenda said.
“We are intending to unveil the Commercial Director by Wednesday next week.”
The Commercial Director will join the Technical Director, John Kaputa and Financial Director Christopher Mdolo.
But Nyirenda declined to shed more light on the conditions of service for the Commercial Director with varying conditions for Financial Director Mdolo who is on a fixed, permanent deal while Technical Director Kaputa is on a three-year renewable deal
Wanderers fail to win again[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_98742" align="alignright" width="600"]
Casual: Nomads technical team led by Elijah Kananji (left), Chiyembekezo Zidana and Steve Madeira...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Mzuni FC fighting relegation[/caption]
The blues have only won one out of nine games in the second round has seen their season plumbed to new depths amidst some supporters committee members dissolving both the executive and main supporters committees. But a move seen as a “coup” was thwarted by the club’s trustees.
Wanderers lost their game in the 20th minute when Mathews Sibale won it all for the bankers who are still on third position with 42 points from 25 games—a point short of second-placed Mafco—who have a two-game cushion while Wanderers are still seventh with 32 points from 23 games.
Wanderers coach Elia Kananji described the loss as “painful”.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves but we just have to work hard to turn things around,” said Kananji in a post-match interview.
He accused his charges of approaching the game “casually” in the first-half.
“We came back in the game in the second-half but, it was too late, “said Kananji.
Silver assistant coach Lovemore Fazili said: “We went for the win and kept on pushing and got it.”
Elsewhere, the match between Blue Eagles and Red Lions at Balaka Stadium had to be abandoned in the 52nd minute following a heavy rains.
At the time of the abandonment, the cops led 2-1, but Super League of Malawi (Sulom) general secretary Williams Banda said the match is most likely to be replayed as it did not mature.
Airborne Rangers lost 1-2 to Mzuni at home in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.
Following the win, Mzuni have moved two places up from 13 to 11th with 26 points from 24 games.
Flames players during training...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
This follows the successful completion of all the group games on Saturday.
The Flames reached the quarter finals after finishing second in group C behind South Sudan, while the Cranes, overcame a slow start winning 4-0 and 1-0 over Zanzibar and Burundi respectively to top Group B and qualify to the last eight stages.
The Flames, who are guest in this tournament, lost their last game against South Sudan 2-0.
The Uganda versus Malawi fixture game will be a repeat of the recent international build up held on 6th July 2015, when Malawi was celebrating its independence.
During the match at Kamuzu Stadium, the Flames won 1-0 courtesy of Chiukepo Msowoya
Other Quarter-finals:
Tanzania play Sudan in the other Monday fixture before the Tuesday double header involving Rwanda and defending champions Kenya and the host nation, Ethiopia takes on the tournament surprise package, South Sudan.
This is the 38th edition of the tournament that brings together countries in the East and Central Africa.
Mike Kaziputa in action against Epac on Sunday, Pic Alex Mwazalumo[/caption]
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Siwombo books Wanderers' Ted Sumani[/caption]
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Epac's Mphatso Dzongololo ... man-of-the match award[/caption]
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Chiumia: Donates to Muzuz teams[/caption]
Chiumia presented the donation last Wednesday to Fish Eagles, Mchengautuwa Reserves, Yimnet FC, Katoto Full Primary School and Masasa Girls football teams as well as Police Claws, Moyale Barracks, Mzuzu Academy, Katoto Secondary School and Katoto Trickers volleyball teams.
The Sports Minister said the donation is part of her ministry’s initiative to promote sports at local level an thanked United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) for funding the project.
We appreciate the challenges various local clubs are facing in the country,” said Chiumia.
Fish Eagles FC technical director Joseph Bolamoyo-Misinde thanked the minister for coming up with such an initiative.
Mtawali and his assistant Ramadhan: End of the road in Cecafa[/caption]
The Cranes scored their first goal five minutes to kick-off through Farouk Miya’s header before another goal in the second half.
The final scoreline was a true reflection of the game, as the Flames looked dis-jointed and lacked pace in the entire 90 minutes.
The Flames also misplaced too many passes, especially on the midfield where the Cranes enjoyed ball possession. Uganda also, attacked with pace and looked threatening early on.
Uganda was also being afforded a lot of space on the midfield, while the Flames final ball was all too often wasteful, with Chiukepo Msowoya’s miss in the second half after a hard and low cross from John Banda being the only other notable attempt in a half that promised more than it delivered.
The Flames were forced into a change after the break when coach Ernest Mtawali brought in Chawanangwa Kaonga for Miracel Gabeya with an aim of adding fire power upfront.
He also introduced Isaac Kaliati and Nelson Kangunje but nothing changed, as the body language from the players looked to have given up hope of securing an equalizer.
Against the run of play the Cranes almost increased the lead in the 80th minute, when one of their midfielders played a neat one-two with Miya before seeing his shot partially blocked by Simplex Nthara .
After the match, the Flames coach Ernest Mtawali attributed their loss to a quick goals scored by Uganda which disturbed their game plan.
He however, was quick to salute his troops and said they have learnt a lot during the tournament.
Flames line-up
Simplex Nthala; Yamikani Fodya, Stanley Sanudi, Miracle Gabeya,John Lanjesi; Gerald Phiri Jnr, Chimango Kayira, Daliso Sailesi, John Banda; Chiukepo Msowoya, Schumacher Kuwali
Kazako: Zodiak will cover FAM presidential election debate live[/caption]
Zodiak Broadcasting Station Managing Director Gospel Kazako has confirmed about the development.
"Yes it is true we have organized a Presidential elections debate for the candidates who will compete for the position of Fam president" said Kazako.
According to Kazako, the debate will take place at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital Lilongwe on Saturday 5th December, 2015 and it is expected to start at 7pm but guests are being asked to be seated by 6pm.
The function will be beamed live on Zodiak Television and aired live as well on Zodiak radio.
During the show, all the three candidates will unpack their manifestos as well as responding to questions from the general public.
Three people namely the incumbent president Walter Nyamilandu, Wilkins Mijiga and Willy Yabwanya Phiri will battle it out for the Malawi FA's top job.
Nyamilandu is seeking his foUrth term of office.
Meanwhile, one of the presidential candidates Willy Yabwanya Phiri will launch his manifesto at Cross Roads in Lilongwe on Friday.
Phiri’s manifesto, titled, “A road map to redefine Malawi’s football Destiny,” has promised to transform Malawi’s football into a force to be reckoned with it.
Yabwanya, who jetted in the country on Sunday from Canada, said Malawi needs change in football leadership.
“My manifesto will provide strategic directions and let us wait Until Friday when l will reveal my plans on Malawi football to the nation,” said Yabwanya Phiri.
On another note, the incumbent Fam President Walter Nyamilandu is also scheduled to launch his manifesto on Saturday, while Wilkins Mijiga is expected to launch his manifesto on Monday next week.—Additional reporting by Jeromy Kadewere, Nyasa Times
FAM President Walter Nyamilandu : Continuity[/caption]
Nyamilandu, who faces Wilkins Mijiga and Willy Yabwanya Phiri, said his desire is to ensure that the standards of football are highly competitive like is the case in other countries, and that a business mind towards the conduct of football affairs in the country is adopted.
Speaking to Nyasa Times's Mphatso Nkhoma in an exclusive interview, Nyamilandu who is also the Assistant General Manager of Illovo Sugar Company, said the past years he has been at the helm of Malawi football there have been a lot of developments that have happened which need continuity.
The calm, composed and confident Nyamilandu said this is the critical moment for Malawi football as they can make or break all good foundations which he has put in place if the elections will not be properly handled by all stakeholders mainly supporters and candidates.
He then called for clean and sober campaign that “if not well done” will not only tarnish the image of him personally or FAM but the whole football game as that can scare away existing and potential sponsors.
Meanwhile, Nyamilandu is expected to launch his much awaited Manifesto in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe on Saturday.
He has assured that he is seeking renewal of mandate for his last term – a grand finale.
The following is part of the interview. Excerpts:
What is your plan for FAM if re-elected
My plan is to transform Malawi football into a professional status to ensure that the standard of play is highly competitive and to ensure that the football industry adopts a business mind-set in the conduct of their affairs. I will be embarking on a commercialisation agenda to generate the much needed revenue so that football becomes self-sustainable in the long term
Why seeking a fourth term ?
This is the defining moment of Malawi football hence the need for continuity to ensure stability and posterity of the milestones that have been achieved. It would pain me to see Malawi football go in the reverse direction having put in place all the necessary structures and systems. The next term will give me an opportunity to complete some of the unfinished business so that I can leave the game in safe and able hands. I shall live a happy man when I see the game go forward not backward when I shall bow down
Are you scared of Mijiga ?
Not at all - I have seen worst.
What about Yabwanya?
(Laughs) my brother read Joshua 1:9 then you shall know why and I'm saying I'm not afraid of anyone or competition
Do you think football standards are improving in Malawi?
There lots of success stories to show for having crossed a lot of dangerous rivers and overcome steep mountains. Tremendous strides have been made to develop the game of football from the grassroot levels and to restore the image of the beautiful game. We have managed to attract sponsors into the game of football and invested in essential infrastructure for the game to flourish. I am proud to see that the Flames are no longer the weeping boys or punching bags of Africa.
What about reports of financial scandals at FAM? Is the Association clean?
Those reports are fabricated by a few misguided individuals who have a hidden agenda. It is mere propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of FAM as we approach elections. FAM is above board and clean in its day to day dealings. Corporate governance principles feature very highly in its operations. Audited accounts are submitted every year to the General Assembly of the income that has been received and how it is spent to the tambala. This shows that FAM is transparent and accountable and that’s why FIFA continues to fund FAM on several projects.
If you are not elected, will you accept the results?
Of course and why not, though that’s the least on my mind
What is really pushing you to fight for another term?
It’s for the love of the game and for the people who have shown trust and confidence in me. Our football is coming from the background where we have had no sponsor even for our elite league as sponsors run away due to poor administration and hooligan acts which were everywhere by then but now you can see teams are now getting sponsorship, we have different cups and sponsors in our regions as well as youth football all that it's because of the leadership which fight for the end of hooliganism
We have different structures sponsored under FIFA for example newly launched under 15 FIFA/FAM cup and others which if not properly handled can easily go and that need proper transition which can't happen just now with someone who dont know or understand where all those are coming from.
Nyirenda: Matola is nthe new commercial director[/caption]
Matola, who was Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Chief Commercial Officer , has joined the football world by penning a two-year contract with effect from 1 December.
He has ironically replaced Dan Tambala at FAM who was his former boss at MBC.
But Tambala was fired at FAM for being implicated in the dubious sales of World Cup tickets for the 2014 Argentina World Cup and has since sued the football governing body for unfair dismissal.
FAM General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed the recruitment of Matola as for the position of Commercial Director.
“I can confirm that Mr Limbani Matola as new Commercial Director for FAM. He has taken up the position on a two-year contract renewable depending on performance,” Nyirenda said.
He said the association was expecting a lot from him to spearhead the marketing drive of the association as a way of fostering financial independence from the government for its activities.
“Now that we have recruited the Commercial Director we expect that he should lead in the promotion of the brand of the association so that we should be able to generate extra money for our activities,” he said.
Konrad Buckle of Nyasa Manufacturing Company[/caption]
Addressing jounrnalists in Lilongwe, Drug Fight Malawi Executive Director Nelson Zakeyo said they consider the tobacco sponsorship of the Peoples Team, as Big Bullets is fondly called as a deliberate and well-orchestrated strategy of the Nyasa Tobacco Manufacturing Company to market its products and increase tobacco consumption among children.
“This is in sharp contradiction to the healthy lifestyle of sports as espoused by FIFA. The tobacco sponsorship deal is also in conflict with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three which ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages.
“Tobacco use is one of the greatest public health challenges facing the world today. The tobacco epidemic is spreading at an unprecedented rate, leading to nearly 6 million deaths globally each year from lung cancer, heart disease and other tobacco-related illness and causing the death of one in ten adult. By 2030, it is estimated that tobacco-related diseases will be the leading cause of death in Africa,” he said.
In Malawi, Zakeyo said more than 26 percent of men and 7 percent of youths smoke tobacco.
“As an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases, tobacco use is aggravating these conditions in Malawi where already one in three adults aged 25 years and above is hypertensive. While acknowledging that tobacco is Malawi’s top forex earner, it is not in order to promote for the use of tobacco that would in turn see children using the product.
“ The promotion of tobacco use will turn our own children into users and life smokers, hence dooming their
fututre,” he said.
Drug Fight Malawi is a registered NGO working against use of tobacco, marijuana, harmful alcohol consumption and other drugs of abuse.
Kukoma Diamonds captain handing over the trophy to the sponsors.....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Kukoma Diamonds players before handing over the trophy...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Here is the trophy our sponsors....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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An employee at Kukoma holds the trophy ....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Captain Caroline Ngwira holds the trophy before handing it over ....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
Diamonds clipped Blue Eagles Sisters 38-28 baskets to be crowned 2015/16 Champions.
The company’s sales and marketing manager Felex Cheza made the pledge in Blantyre on Wednesday when the company hosted the team at its Chirimba offices.
The team led by chairman Isaac Chimwala , coach Griffin Saenda, former star Mwawi Kumwenda and other players went to present the trophy to their sponsors.
Bvalani said as Kukoma, which is one of their products they are always proud to be associated with winners and when Diamonds approached them for sponsorship they wanted to help winners.
“We are very happy that they won and we’re proud that our help didn’t go in vain.We would like to engage more in teams that are doing well because that’s our way of giving back to the community, they are our customers and we shall continue giving back to them,” Cheza said.
Cheza added that they will be bankrolling money to Diamonds so that they win more trophies.
The company’s logistic manager Evans Wingolo hailed the girls for ousting Complex Tigress on their road to the finals stating it is his rival team since his childhood.
“The moment you ousted Tigresses before meeting Blue Eagles l was very excited because those are our rivals. Since my childhood l have been feeling on cloud nine once Tigresses lost,” he said.
He also assured them of Kukoma’s total support if they will continue with the winning streak.
In his speech, Diamonds chairman Isaac Chimwala, said Kukoma’s assistance was not only a morale boost to the team but came in when they had nowhere to run.
“Our victory can be attributed to Kukoma’s sponsorship because they came in when we were in dire need of help. We owe it to them and we’re proud that we won that’s why we had to come and say ‘thank you’. We assured them with more trophies,” said Chimwala.
The teams captain Caroline Ngwira appealed for more support from Kukoma. For instance, she asked the company to help some of the players with accommodation since they rent a hostel.
Bingu stadium In Lilongwe[/caption]
Minister of Sports and Culture Grace Chiumia said the Chinese wrote the government on November 28, 2015.
"They wrote us two days before the official completion date of 30 November, they are indeed on time but there are several things we have to do as government before we take over," she said.
She said the government has to identify government buildings experts who should certify that the stadium and the buildings are ready for use.
Chiumia also said the government has not yet employed staff who will be looking after the stadium. "The inspection of the building might not take time, it might take one or two days but we are yet to complete the recruitment of staff for the stadium," said Chiumia.
Minister of Transport and Public Works Francis Kasaila said the stadium would not only change the face of the city but also put Malawi on the map in as far as international games are concerned.
The stadium which can house more than 40,000 people is almost completed and it is expected to be handed over to Malawi government later in the month.
"This is a world-class facility and we are very proud of it," said Kasaila.
The state-of-the-art stadium is constructed by a chinese contractor to the tune of 70 million U.S. dollars, a concessional loan to be paid back by Malawi government in 20 years.
Among other facilities are the 56 lounges where families and sponsor groups will have the luxury of watching live events in private.
It also has a press gallery, a gym and Olympic standard synthetic running track around the pitch, and the playing field is covered with special drought-resistant grass imported from South Africa.
Malawi government named the stadium Bingu National Stadium in honour of Malawi's former president Bingu Mutharika who initiated the project with the Chinese government.