![Mwai Kumwenda is now global super star]()
President Peter Mutharika and main opposition Malawi Congress Party's (MCP) president Dr. Lazurus Chakwera on took to social media to congratulate netball shooter Mwawi Kumwenda for winning the International World Games Association (IWGA) Athlete of the Year award.
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![Mwai Kumwenda is now global super star]()
Mwai Kumwenda is now global super star[/caption]
Mwawi, Malawi's only netball export and Africa’s only netballer competing in the ANZ Championship – the world’s most prestigious netball league-- in New Zealand, won the award after she got a landslide votes ahead of Russian dance couple, Dmitry Zharkov and Olga Kulikova.
According to results posted on IWGA website, the Queens' sharpshooter was confirmed winner of IWGA Athlete of the Year after amassing 17, 910 votes.
Second place went to the Flying Disc Beach Ultimate Mixed Team from Germany with 9,168 votes while the Russian dancesport couple, Dmitry Zharkov and Olga Kulikova have been ranked third (7,722 votes).
A trophy will be awarded to Mwawi in cooperation with the International Netball Federation.
Writing on his official lnstragram and Facebook account, Mutharika wished the netballer continued success as she looks forward to participating in many netball events ahead of her.
"Gertrude and I join Malawi and Africa in congratulating Mwawi Kumwenda for winning the International World Games Association (IWGA) Athlete of the Year award at a young age. This is a tremendous achievement of which we are all proud of,” the Malawi President said.
"It brings to our nation immense satisfaction when a Malawian earns such global recognition beyond our shores. Her journey to success; perseverance, hard work, commitment and patriotism will remain a source of inspiration for our young people; we hope that many will follow in her footsteps," Mutharika said.
While Chakwera, who is also the Leader of Opposition, claimed that Mwawi deserved the award and that her achievement should remind " us what we can each achieve for our country if we work together and support each other."
"I am delighted to hear that the International World Games Association (IWGA) has given Mwawi Kumwenda the 2015 Athlete of the Year Award, having beaten 17 other candidates from all over the world.
"For me personally, it was an honour to vote for her, but I also want to thank all of you who responded positively to my public appeal for your support for this impressive daughter of Malawi. You deserve this award, our support, and all the doors of opportunity opening up for you," posted Chakwera on his Facebook page.
Former president Bakili Muluzi said he was “happy” with the news that Mwawi has received the award.
“I am so happy for Mwawi Kumwenda. She has made Malawi proud of her achievements and many will be encourages that yes we can achieve our ambitions,” said Muluzi.
Malawi’s immediate former president Joyce Banda also congratulated Mwawi through her personal assistant Andekuche Chanthunya.
Meanwhile, the netballer has dedicated the award to Malawians and all people who inspired, motivated and challenged her "in my life along the way to get to where I am right now."
"Just as common wisdom dictates that one single hand cannot clap, and one leg cannot – on its own – run, I too could never have done it all alone. This is why, I am grateful to you all great people who have come this far, with me.
"To netball players from all the teams that I have played in, including the Malawi Queens and Tactix (my current club) and more importantly, those that I have played against: thank you for being part of the game.
"For all of the advice and wise words you’ve provided me over the last several years and all of the incredible strength you’ve forced me to see in myself. Because of you, I am today stronger and more capable to do anything I set my heart to," said Mwawi.
She also took trouble to extend her gratitude to President Mutharika, Leader of Opposition Chakwera, Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya and Minister of Sports Grace Chiumia for putting political differences aside to unite and rally behind her cause.
"Your unity in this quest is why Malawi has won with a landslide victory. It goes to show that - together – as a people and as one family, we can go farther. We can scale the highest heights; and we can do more and better for dear Malawi," said Kumwenda.
She then promised to "keep fighting, keep living, keep training hard, and keep dreaming."
Rashy Gaffer introducing new Wanderers chief supporter Yamikani Kaliyapa[/caption]
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Kaliyapa ready to bring change to Wanderers...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Yona Malunga: Pulled out[/caption]
Kaliyapa won the elections with a landslide after his main challenger Yona Malunga, former club chief supporter withdrew from the race., claiming there was no level playing field.
However, Wanderers supporters said flamboyant Malunga had sensed danger that he was going to have an embarrassing defeat.
The Nomads club trustees chair Rashy Gaffar said the elections were "free, fair and credible."
He urged the fans to support the new committee.
In his acceptance speech, Kaliyapa said he would want to continue on the good legacy left by Chitsulo at Lali-Lubani like curbing violence and raising funds to help the club.
James Chiswankhondo was elected vice chairman withg 328 votes against Luka John’s 234 and General Chapotera’s 77 votes.
The supporters secretary Paul Mphepo was a big casualty as he lost his position to Wisdom Patel who will now be deputised by Helbert Mapira
Bushire Winto trounced former treasurer Chipiliro Chilambe and Anthony Chawanda with 339 votes against 17 and 102 votes respectively.
On the position of vice treasurer, Jimmy Muta won with 204 votes against Samuel Chikampana’s 101 and Foster Phiri’s 22 votes.
Helbert Mlaka, Phillip Master, Majid Julius, Charles Lizigen, Bright M’memo, Olivie Kandota and Batholomew Chimpango were voted in as executive committee members.
The club is expected to hold elections for its main executive committee next Saturday.
Below is the full supporters executive committee:
Chairman
-Yamikani Kaliyapa
Vice Chairman
-James Chiswankhondo
General Secretary
-Wisdom Patel
Vice General Secretary
-Helbert Mapira
Treasurer
-Bushire Winto
Vice Treasurer
-Jimmy Muta
Committee Members
-Helbert Mlaka
-Phillip Master
-Majid Julius
-Charles Lizigen
-Bright M’memo
-Olivie Kandota
-Batholemew Chimpango
Jengwe: Now at Civo[/caption]
Civo United acting general secretary Charles Mwenda confirmed the appointment of Pofera saying he is visionary tactician.
Mwenda said the flamboyant coach was also hard working and result-oriented.
"We have appointment Pofera as coach because we share the same vision. He is committed to his work,"Mwenda said.
He said they would discuss with the authority to consider his transfer from Dedza to Lilongwe.
"Since he is within the civil service I don't think it will be much of a problem. We will take it up with authorities to see what they can do about this," he said.
Pofera said it was a challenge to be appointed as coach for such a big club.
"I am humbled to have been appointment because it is every coach wants to coach a bigger club," he said.
Pofera has been offered a two-year contract and he is expected to take the greater heights.
Putting pen to paper: Nyasa's Konrad Buckle and Bullets chair Chilunga signing the deal[/caption]
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It's official Nyasa Bullets[/caption]
Speaking to reporters Monday afternoon at Mandala in Blantyre Nyasa Big Bullets chairman Sam Chirunga said the contract is for 5 years.
“We got the sponsorship now. We have what will drive us back to our success ways, its Nyasa Big Bullets,” said Chilunga.
Chilunga, who thanked FAM President Walter Nyamilandu for helping Bullets to secure this sponsorship deal said this sponsorship agreement is a partnership.
“We have given Nyasa our Big Bullets brand and in return the company gives us money,” said the jovial Chilunga.
He, however, said the actual launch of the partnership will take place at a later date in Blantyre and Lilongwe, where they will invite foreign clubs.
The club chairman said 60 per cent budget of the sponsorship deal will go towards players welfare.
Chilunga told Bullets players as well that the sponsors that they do not want to be associated with a losing team stressing results will have an impact on the sponsorship partnership.
In his conclusion, Chilunga warned people who have vandalized their billboards in Limbe and Chichiri that they have provoked the people's team.
“Let me warn the vandals that what they have started is war. We will not relent. Let me ask anyone leading to arrest of any vandals will receive a reward of K500,000,” he said.
Nyasa Manufacturing Company chairman Konrad Buckle said Nyasa being a Malawian company they thought it wise to bail out Bullets in financial problems.
“That is why we have decided to associate our brand with the best football brand in Malawi. Malawi is going through difficult economic times but we will be here,” he said.
He said they want to be associated with Bullets in 20 years time.
During the ceremony, Bullets also awarded two of their players with Mcpharen Ngwira being voted as the most improved player, who went away with K100, 000.
Yamikani Fodya was rewarded as player of the season and went home with K150, 000.
On another note, Bullets also unveiled some of their new signings like Muhammad Sulumba from Blantyre United but was on loan to Mighty Be Forward Wanderers, two defenders from Civo United John Lanjesi and Emmanuel Zoya.
Bullets introduce new signings[/caption]
The club’s Vice-General Secretary Kelvin Moyo announced on Monday in Blantyre during the official signing ceremony with their sponsors Nyasa Manufacturing Company record K500 million sponsorship partnership for five years.
Moyo disclosed that the four players had signed a pre-contract with Nyasa Bullets.
"We have got four players Muhammad Sulumba from Blantyre United defender John Lanjesi, goalkeepers Amadu Makawa from Kamuzu Barracks and Ernest Kakhobwe from Azam Tigers. These players have pre-contract but are not allowed to speak to the media," Moyo said.
The development comes barely three days after Mighty Be Forward Wanderers team manager Steve Madeira dispelled allegations that Sulumba who was on loan from Blantyre United would leave the club.
Civo new coach s Pofera Jegwe also said he would have loved to keep the best of his players in a bid to turn around the fortunes of his charges whio struggled last season in the league.
Sulumba and his fellow new signings declined to comment on their move to Bullets.
Meanwhile, Azam Tigers goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe is on his way to the Peoples team.
During the unveiling Nyasa Manufacturing Company chairman Konrad Burcle presented jersey numbers to the players with Lanjesi getting number 2, Zoya number 7, Sulumba 8, Amadu Makawa 35.
But according to close sources the jersey numbers were just symbolical and would be confirmed later.
Coach Mabvutp Lungu says the new players must "fight for their position", stating nobody has a guaranteed place in the starting line-up.
Mwai Kumwenda is now global super star[/caption]
Mwawi, Malawi's only netball export and Africa’s only netballer competing in the ANZ Championship – the world’s most prestigious netball league-- in New Zealand, won the award after she got a landslide votes ahead of Russian dance couple, Dmitry Zharkov and Olga Kulikova.
According to results posted on IWGA website, the Queens' sharpshooter was confirmed winner of IWGA Athlete of the Year after amassing 17, 910 votes.
Second place went to the Flying Disc Beach Ultimate Mixed Team from Germany with 9,168 votes while the Russian dancesport couple, Dmitry Zharkov and Olga Kulikova have been ranked third (7,722 votes).
A trophy will be awarded to Mwawi in cooperation with the International Netball Federation.
Writing on his official lnstragram and Facebook account, Mutharika wished the netballer continued success as she looks forward to participating in many netball events ahead of her.
"Gertrude and I join Malawi and Africa in congratulating Mwawi Kumwenda for winning the International World Games Association (IWGA) Athlete of the Year award at a young age. This is a tremendous achievement of which we are all proud of,” the Malawi President said.
"It brings to our nation immense satisfaction when a Malawian earns such global recognition beyond our shores. Her journey to success; perseverance, hard work, commitment and patriotism will remain a source of inspiration for our young people; we hope that many will follow in her footsteps," Mutharika said.
While Chakwera, who is also the Leader of Opposition, claimed that Mwawi deserved the award and that her achievement should remind " us what we can each achieve for our country if we work together and support each other."
"I am delighted to hear that the International World Games Association (IWGA) has given Mwawi Kumwenda the 2015 Athlete of the Year Award, having beaten 17 other candidates from all over the world.
"For me personally, it was an honour to vote for her, but I also want to thank all of you who responded positively to my public appeal for your support for this impressive daughter of Malawi. You deserve this award, our support, and all the doors of opportunity opening up for you," posted Chakwera on his Facebook page.
Former president Bakili Muluzi said he was “happy” with the news that Mwawi has received the award.
“I am so happy for Mwawi Kumwenda. She has made Malawi proud of her achievements and many will be encourages that yes we can achieve our ambitions,” said Muluzi.
Malawi’s immediate former president Joyce Banda also congratulated Mwawi through her personal assistant Andekuche Chanthunya.
Meanwhile, the netballer has dedicated the award to Malawians and all people who inspired, motivated and challenged her "in my life along the way to get to where I am right now."
"Just as common wisdom dictates that one single hand cannot clap, and one leg cannot – on its own – run, I too could never have done it all alone. This is why, I am grateful to you all great people who have come this far, with me.
"To netball players from all the teams that I have played in, including the Malawi Queens and Tactix (my current club) and more importantly, those that I have played against: thank you for being part of the game.
"For all of the advice and wise words you’ve provided me over the last several years and all of the incredible strength you’ve forced me to see in myself. Because of you, I am today stronger and more capable to do anything I set my heart to," said Mwawi.
She also took trouble to extend her gratitude to President Mutharika, Leader of Opposition Chakwera, Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya and Minister of Sports Grace Chiumia for putting political differences aside to unite and rally behind her cause.
"Your unity in this quest is why Malawi has won with a landslide victory. It goes to show that - together – as a people and as one family, we can go farther. We can scale the highest heights; and we can do more and better for dear Malawi," said Kumwenda.
She then promised to "keep fighting, keep living, keep training hard, and keep dreaming."
Zoya : Civo skipper unveiled as Bullets player[/caption]
Bullets unveiled Zoya and Lanjesi alongside Blantyre United striker Muhammad Sulumba and Azam Tigers goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe during their sponsorship signing deal with Nyasa Manufacturing Company in Blantyre.
Civo United general secretary Charles Mwenda told Nyasa Times that a player cannot sign a pre contract when he still has more than six months ahead.
He said they have not concluded any deals with Bullets so they are wondering how the Peoples Team could unveil their players.
“You do not unveil a player who is still contracted to another team. You negotiate with him and a pre-contract is end product of the negotiation but unveiling is done when the other contract expires.
“It is unfair that we are trying to be professional yet Bullets are not. We just gave them a go ahead to talk to the players not to unveil them to the public as if they are their players,” said Mwenda.
Mwenda advised Bullets to follow proper channels if they are serious on the two players.
He also insisted that if the Peoples Team are serious in roping in the two players they have to cough K8 million.
This will not be the first time for Lanjesi to attempt leaving Civo United because last season he went to Mighty Be Forward Wanderers, where his deal collapsed after disagreements between the Nomads and his club.
Mighty Be Forward Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao declined to comment anything on Sulumba’s move saying the Nomads will speak at an appropriate time.
Kamwendo : Not returning to DRC[/caption]
The ingenious left-footed Malawian international popularly known as Shakira, has said he wants to play at another club coming from African club champions TP Mazembe—who loaned him to another DRC side Don Bosc.
Kamwendo said he cannot return to Mazembe because he is not on their plans.
“I will not return to DRC,” he declared. “I am looking for another team that will sign me on loan and offer me a short-term contract.”
Kamwendo, who had stints with Nordsjaelland in Denmark, Orlando Pirates in South Africa and Liga Maculmana in Mozambique, has not ruled out signing for Wanderers, his former club.
“It feels good to be back home.”
The play said his options are open.
Work in progress for Karonga stadiumk[/caption]
He said Malawian contractors were doing far much better than Chinese contractors who have been given similar assignments.
Nankhumwa made the observation when he toured the progress of the construction of the over K600 million worth Karonga Stadium being constructed next to Baka Research Station.
Karonga Stadium is being constructed with funding from the Local Development Funding (LDF). Other beneficiaries of the funding include the councils of Mulanje, Mangochi and Rumphi.
Nankhumwa said that he was “impressed” with Nangaunozge, the only local contractor.
“You’ve employed more than a hundred a people here, yet the other contractors have employed less than 50,” said Nankhumwa.
He also hailed Nangaunozge for hastiness doing their work.
“You’re impressively fast,” he said.
Ironically, a few weeks ago Nyasa Times published a story by local groupings who blamed Nangaunozge for “sluggishness” and “lack of seriousness.”
Kossam Munthali of the Karonga Stadium Committee had warned of unspecified action regarding Nangaunozge on the matter.
Nangaunozge is owned by Henry Shaba, a Malawian from Mzimba and Member of Parliament (MP).
Raphael Humba: SRFL chair under fire[/caption]
FAM President Walter NyamIlandu said SRFAL was deceived by Nsejjere who committed a K10 million league sponsorship while Countrywide Car Hire launched a K8 million cup.
But both entities had failed to honour the sponsorship forced irate Nyamilandu to express his concern.
He said both Nsejjere and Countrywide announced in public their well documented commitment to sponsor the league.
"We are disappointed with the conduct of Nsejjere Sports Wear and Countrywide is very unfortunate. They have an obligation to fulfill because it is tantamount to breach of contract," Nyamilandu said.
"We are taking this matter seriously and we will take this issue to people who can help us."
He said the action should act as a lesson to those who might do the same in future.
FAM has offered to lend SRFAL K4,000 to meet the cost of prizes for champions, runners-up and individual awards.
Meanwhile teams in the league held a meeting on Saturday in Blantyre to bang their heads on the way forward.
Teams resolved to pass a vote of no confidence for SRFAL chairman Raphael Humba for failing to honour his manifesto during the campaign.
Humba, who took the credit for securing the bogus sponsorship, has come under fire.
Wadabwa siging the dotted lines for Nomads[/caption]
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Wadabwa: I'm a Nomad[/caption]
The striker who played South Africa Premier Soccer League side Golden Arrows signed pen to paper on Wednesday in Blantyre to join the Blues camp.
Wadabwa has played in the National First Division for Thanda Royal Zulu and the PSL where he previously signed for Jomo Cosmos but never had a run before he was loaned back to Silver Strikers .
Wanderers secretary general Mike Butao said: "We can now announce to all Wanderers fans that we have signed Wadabwa inorder to beef up our striking force,"said Butao.
Butao said they want Wadaba to get back to the kind of form that had once led to him being thought of as one of the best forwards in the country.
“He's obviously a top footballer so it's just about getting the best out of him,” said Butao.
Winner Kanjanga (left) and Premier Bet operations director Glover. Photo by Kimpho LokaDarre[/caption]
He took home a K1, 675,000from Premier Bet on Monday, four weeks after small-scale agro-dealer Dickson Kachulu from Kachere Township in the same city won K1.5 million.
Similar to the previous winner, Kanjanga also spent the minimum K200 and predicted results from 14 Barclays English Premier League matches.
“I tried playing several times but didn’t make it, now the dream came true. I count myself lucky to win this amount, I’m really excited,” Kanjanga expressed his joy.
He added: “This money will change my life. I plan to go back to school and continue with my education in construction; this is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Kanjanga was not the only winner this week as two other Blantyre residents from Limbe and Ndirande won K1.1 million and K500,000, respectively.
Premier Bet operations director, Darren Glover, said it was pleasing to see the lives of average Malawians transforming through sports betting.
“It’s fantastic for our customers. It just proves that it can be done. You don’t have to spend fortunes for you to win. With only K200 and people are walking away with millions, we’re delighted,” explained Glover.
Premier Bet started its operations in Malawi seven months ago, and while indicating that the company has been facing various challenges, Glover said the firm was pleased with the sells made thus far.
Said Glover: “The business is yet to break even in comparison to our investment. Like any other business you don’t expect profits from the second you open doors, but we’re ahead of where we thought we’d be at this time, so from that aspect it’s very positive.”
Meanwhile, the sports betting company has unveiled plans to roll out community work in the areas of its operations later this year, as part of its corporate social responsibility.
With27 shops across Blantyre, Premier Bet provides employment to 200 Malawians. The company plans to expand its business by opening more outlets across the country before mid this year.
Mabvuto Lungu demoted and will be given new role under the new coach..Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
Lungu does not hold a CAF B licence which the Football Association of Malawi (FAM)—under the Club Licencing System (CLS)—is enforcing as a minimum qualification for all Super League coaches.
An enterprising midfielder for Bullets in his hey days, Lungu led the club retain the TNM Super League honours with a record 16-point gap.
Chilunga, while showering praised to Lungu as a good trainer, said the club will abide by the law and employ a coach with proper badges and hand the legend another role.
“We will abide by the law and look for another coach,” he said.
Lungu is one of the coaches that have been earmarked for a Uefa Coaching License Course in Germany.
He has kept comments about his demotion close to his chest.
Chipi Mpinganjira: Wants to be vicechairman of Wanderers club[/caption]
Mpinganjira will face former Super League of Malawi (Sulom) vice-president Gift Mkandawire for the vice chairperson seat.
Chairperson George Chamangwana, second vice-chairperson Allan Chuma, general secretary (GS) Mike Butao and outgoing executive committee member Chulu Nkangama, who is aspiring to be vice-treasurer, will all go unopposed.
Mpinganjira said he could not go for top seat or his former post, giving his weight to the club top brass for continuity.
However, Mpinganjira said his vision is “to assist in financial capacity rebuilding so that the club is more stable.”
The winner between Mpinganjira and Mkandawire will replace Alex Machila who will not seek re-election.
The race for vice-general secretary will involve outgoing Chris Kananji, Duncan Kamwendo and Vincent Patel while the incumbent Davis Nsadala will face off Wisdom Malunga for the treasurer’s post.
Onani Chaponda, Robert Mbeza, former National Women Football Committee chairperson Suzgo Ngwira, Hendrix Chakwera, Duncan Jumbe and renowned radio personality Flora Nkusa-Nkhoma will contest for the executive member positions.
Ready to be in the ring again, Mtimaukanena[/caption]
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Mtimaukanena in the gym[/caption]
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Mtimaukanena work out[/caption]
Renowned Malawi female boxer Agnes Mtimaukanena-Mwando will bounce back in the ring in March after a break.
The 23-year-old Mtimaukanena is expected to re-oil her boxing hub against Lorita Muzeya, in a WBC silver title fight in Zambia.
“I am back for real. I even feel much stronger now. I can assure Malawians that l will not disappoint and l will make sure to raise the Malawi flag,” she said.
The former World Boxing Federation (WBF) light middleweight champion went on to warn all boxers, who have been making noise when she was away that they should prepare well because she will come after them after the Zambia trip.
Mtimaukanena has recorded seven wins, two defeats and two draws after returning from maternity.
Nyasa Times’ Senior Photojournalist Jeromy Kadewere went to her gym along the Magalasi Road where she took a number of pictures.
Standard Bank Models with the glittering trophy: No more knock-out[/caption]
The bank announced on Friday they have withdrawn the sponsorship, citing “changes in macroeconomic environment” as reasons.
In a statement made available to Nyasa Times, Standard Bank said it has become increasingly challenging to grow the revenue of the bank at a pace that match the increasing costs of running the trophy.
“In light of the changes in the macroeconomic environment and all the attendant business challenges, the bank has had to refocus its strategy,” a statement says.
Standard Bank says it has become “increasingly challenging” to grow the revenue of the bank at a pace which allows the financial institution matches the increase in costs.
“We have been forced by these circumstances to become more introspective about how we think about continuing to build a sustainable business going into the future. As a consequence, we have had to take a closer look at our revenue structure and potential, as well as our cost structure, and we have unfortunately found ourselves needing to make some uncomfortable decisions,” the bank said.
Standard Bank has been bankrolling the trophy since 2007 and the bank said they are “very proud “of the contribution they have made towards football development in the country.
“It goes without saying that football standards have improved as witnessed by the record number of players that have turned professional,” the statement adds.
Standard Bank Cup organising committee chairperson Jabber Alide expressed “shock” with the bank’s announcement.
Civo United are cup holders of the Knock-Out after they defeated Mighty Be Forward Wanderers.
