Nthanda Times

Munkhondia Mwamakura II

  • Moyale Barracks FC piles more pressure on rookies Extreme Football Club

    Moyale Barracks Football Club (FC) has added more misery to an already struggling Extreme FC side by handing them yet another defeat at the Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday.

    Captain for Moyale FC, veteran striker Gasten Simkonda opened the score line on the 8th minute following miscommunication between Extreme FC defender, Trevor Kalema and his goalie, Blessings Juma which let Simkonda loop the ball into an empty goal.

    Moyale struck again in the 28th minute after defender, Henry Misinjo drilled into the box a beautiful free kick which was guided home by a header from Prince Phiri formerly of Silver Strikers.

    Extreme FC Head Coach Elvis Kafoteka pulled out the sluggish Trevor Kalema on the 35th minute and Extreme looked to have found their way back into the game as they held on without conceding another goal until the match ended 2-0.

    In an interview after the game, Kafoteka blamed his boys for lacking passion to win matches.

    “Today we conceded very cheap goals; we made the same mistake twice and we were punished for that. My players are not playing with the passion to win games and we need four or five new players who should come in with hunger to improve the squad’s performance,” Kafoteka said. 

    Man of the Match Maneno Nyoni

    In a separate interview, Head Coach for Moyale Barracks FC, Nicholas Mhango congratulated his charges for registering a win in front of their home supporters.

    “Today the boys played well. We attacked more and that is why we have won this game. The points we have collected have pushed us towards the top three which is a positive move since we are also aiming to claim the championship this season,” Mhango said.

    During the game, one of Extreme FC’s players, Chikondi Chasowa was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after he sustained an injury in the field of play.

    Moyale Barracks defender, Maneno Nyoni was named Man of the Match.

    The Mchinji based side who have so far played 11 games won once, lost eight games and drew twice and remain stuck on position 16 at the bottom of the log table and their chances of surviving relegation keep getting slimmer with the passing of each game.

  • Junier Kazembe elected NAM VP

    Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has pledged full and unwavering support to the newly elected Vice President, Junier Kazembe as she is set to foster the development of netball in the country.

    The sentiments were made during the NAM 2023 Annual General Meeting held at Civo Club House in Lilongwe on Saturday. 

    Speaking on the sidelines of the AGM, General Secretary for NAM, Isaac Chimwala expressed satisfaction with the newly elected Vice President citing the vast experience she brings to the office. 

    “The house has spoken; we welcome Junier Kazembe to the executive. The gap that was there has been sealed, we are now a complete team. It’s worth noting that she already knows what to do in her office,” Chimwala said. 

    Chimwala: satisfied with the polls. Pic Twime Mangani

    Chimwala further said the Association is committed to implementing various matters highlighted during the AGM including the need for AGMs, frequent meetings to ensure netball grows in all aspects such as in the districts through the Salima Sugar sponsored League and at the grass root level. 

    “Our members raised a concern that we had taken time before we had this AGM, therefore, we shall rectify that.

    “There was the presentation of the financial report and members have made observations and we shall work with them to ensure we present all reports on time. I admit that this time around we were pressed on time,” Chimwala said.

    The newly elected Vice President has expressed gratitude to the affiliates for trusting her for the office. 

    “I am happy that the affiliates have voted for me and I am ready to work with them to ensure matters that were raised during the AGM are addressed such as issues of communication gaps as well as transparency and accountability,” said Kazembe.

    Kazembe: I am happy the members voted for me Pic_Twime Mangani

    NAM affiliate from Ntchisi, Treza Chiziko retaliated her support to the new Vice President and noted that all other affiliates are looking forward to receiving a reconciled financial report from the association since the one presented had queries. 

    “We did not adopt the report because it did not have a clear breakdown of finances, therefore, we agreed to wait for a better report that will be released after two weeks,” Chiziko said. 

    NAM went to the polls because the previous Vice President resigned for personal reasons and during the elections, Kazembe amassed 30 votes while Anastasia Kaphale had 19. 

    Kazembe, who was also the acting NAM Vice President, is a former chairperson for netball in Blantyre district.

  • Malawi benefits from CGF Meetings

    Malawi stands to benefit from the recent Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) African Regional Meetings which took place in Zambia, Livingstone from April 13-14, 2023 ahead of the Commonwealth Youth games set for August in Trinidad and Tobago and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia. 

    Secretary General of Commonwealth Games in Malawi, Captain John Kaputa (retired) attended the meetings along the President Hon. Jappie Mhango and the Director, Naomie Chinatu who are Commonwealth Games delegates from Malawi. 

    In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday, Kaputa said the discussions were very educative and useful for member countries within the region for preparation of the games as they covered moderation of game villages as well as updates from the federation. 

    “The Commonwealth Youth games was one of the agendas that were presented, we were briefed that submission on athlete’s sports entries by number and name will start on April 28. 

    “The 2026 Commonwealth Games will have five different game villages which will accommodate athletes and there will be 20 sport codes including three new sport codes and nine Para Olympic Games, “he added. 

    Kaputa outlined areas of discussion such as the general assembly of the CGF which would take place in November 2023 where each member country will send a representative to the elections which seek to select a new federation. 

    John Kaputa (right) attending a CGF meeting in Zambia photo by _ Commonwealth Zambia

    According to information from the Commonwealth Website, CGF President, Dame Louise Martin hailed the enthusiasm and energy showcased by the attendants at the workshop. 

    Martin singled the importance of wide discussions for both regional topics and the broader approach for Commonwealth games in light of upcoming tournaments scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago as well as Victoria in 2023 and 2026 respectively.

    The meetings which hosted senior members of the CGF’S management team and representatives of 19 Commonwealth Games Associations across Africa were hugely important for the CGF both to share the vision for the future and to gain further understanding of how they can support colleagues in their development plans. 

    The workshop highlighted the forthcoming Strategic Plan which will be launched later in the year, and offered updates on development as well as reviews on regional plans as delegates shared best practices among themselves. 

    Ahead of the Youth Games, Malawian Athletes are in camp with some runners scheduled to go to Ndola, Zambia on April 27, to participate in a competition to attain some experience.

  • Bullets and Silver Share Points in Super League Opener

    The Defending TNM Super League Champions, FCB Nyasa Bullets, and Lilongwe giants, Silver Strikers shared the spoils following their 1-1 draw in their opening fixture of the 2023 TNM Super League season. 

    The high-intensity game played on Saturday in Lilongwe at Bingu National Stadium had plenty to offer in terms of chances but it was the Bullets who opened the scoring with their first shot on goal through Lanjesi Nkhoma in the 40th minute. Silver Strikers remained relentless and Nickson Mwase finally equalized in the 50th minute. 

    In his first official league match on the Silver Strikers Dugout, Head Coach Pieter De Jongh hailed his team for good performance and acknowledged more work is to be done.

    Chimwemwe Idana (blue) drives the ball for Silver Photo credit_Silver Strikers

    “1-1 is good is a result, there was a lot of control we played passing good football which means we are on the right track because we want to play for titles. 

    “We had problems with their center backs and they were able to score on the counter-attack however I tried to change the tactics after the break,” De Jongh said. 

    De Jongh further noted that Bullets is a good team with quality players but stressed the need for referees to officiate better after observing strange decisions in the game.

    Meanwhile, Bullets Coach, Kalitso Pasuwa said his troops handled the high-intensity game very well and is hopeful they will look back to improve from the mistakes made during the game. 

    Emmanuel Kawonga(left) & Gasten Phodo wrestle for the ball Photo credit_Silver

    “The opposition played very well but mostly in their own half and we were trying to catch them on the break most of the time and we eventually caught them on the break and scored. 

    “We have been conceding set pieces, we have been having these problems of defending lateral ball therefore I think the outcome of the game is a fair result and we shall do our homework,” Pasuwa said.  

    The Bullets Gaffer further outlined Chawanangwa Gumbo and Lanjesi Nkhoma’s efforts to impact the game positively. 

    Silver had 8 corners and conceded 13 fouls while Bullets took 7 corners with 10 fouls.

    In other matches played on Saturday, April 16, Mighty Tigers beat Extreme FC 1-0 with a goal from George Chaomba at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, while Moyale Barracks draw 1-1 against Karonga United with goals by Raphael Phire for Barracks and Josiah Duwa for Karonga, at Mzuzu Stadium. 

     Mafco defeated Chitipa United 2-1 with Mafco’s goals from Walusungu Mpata and Bernard Chimayimba while Chitipa scored through Stimela Muyira’s penalty at Chitowe Stadium. 

  • Viny Visuals wins 2023 Influencers Award in USA

    Malawian young Videographer and film director, Viny Visuals real name Vincent Kamulanje says personal accolades collected as he plies his trade, are a major motivation in his quest to achieve and realise his goals in film industry.

    Viny Visuals shared the sentiments after his latest award “2023 Influencers award-Young Inspiration in the United States of America by Malawians in Diaspora under the organisation, Black Tie Charity Event.

    Speaking to Malawi News Agency Viny said he felt honoured to be seen in such regard citing that it is a milestone which will enable him to apply more effort in the industry.

    “I am truly honoured to receive this award, it’s even a greater honour to be placed in such a distinguished rank, this means I have to continue working towards achieving what I want,” Visuals said.

    One of the organisers of the Black Tie Event, Kate Joyo said Viny Visual represents a segment of the creative industry which he has contributed greatly.

    “Through his online space he has been offering initiatives and has expanded his network with various notable names in the film industry within and outside Malawi and has achieved what most young people at his age could have only imagined.

    “Our award recipients are selected by the members of our large Malawian diaspora community that is why most people recognised his contribution to the creative community,” Joyo said.

    Viny Visuals (central) poses with the Young Influencers award

    She said in 2023 the initiative recognised people who contribute to community organisations through job creation and business leadership while also helping Malawians affected by Cyclone Freddy.

    The annual Black Tie Charity Event is a collective initiative by willing Malawians in the diaspora who gather to stand for those that are socio-economically challenged.

    The focus is to raise one student at a time while unlocking limitless possibilities through soft scholarship.

    This year the event was held on April 1st, in USA with Lulu as the headliner and some of award recipients were Omega Nankhuni of OC Cosmetics, Tony Chirwa for his role as a trendsetter, Mimi’s kitchen for her catering services and Don Nyirongo lifetime achievement.

    Viny who also scooped the Maso Award for best Video Director in 2022, is currently in America improving his videography skills under Magic Fingers Entertainment and has also worked with the Tyler Perry Studio.

  • FCB Nyasa Bullets win the Charity Shield Cup

    FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are the Champions of the 2023 NBS Bank Charity Shield Cup after defeating Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 2-1 at Bingu Nation Stadium in Lilongwe.

    The defending TNM Super league Champions Bullets, had the deadlock broken by Maxwell Gasten Phodo in the first half with the lead doubled in the second half through Stanley Billiat while the FDH Champions Wanderers got a consolation goal in the 77th minute through Misheck Botomani.

    Speaking in a post match interview Coach of FCB Nyasa Bullets, Kalitso Pasuwa expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance stating that it’s the right motivation ahead of the TNM Super league season. 

     “We are starting the season soon however most of the guys are not yet up in form since most of them didn’t have preseason because of national team duty,” Pasuwa said. 

    FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ Lanjesi Nkhoma (19) beats Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ defender Miracle Gabeya during the game

     Meanwhile Coach of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Mark Harrison acknowledged that his team lacked the cutting edge in the game and appreciated the test they got ahead of the season opener. 

    “The first half was shocking we never put a pass together we never won a ball nor second balls, it’s probably the worst I have seen us play. In the second half we were better but I don’t think I can pick anybody and say they had a good game. 

    FCB Nyasa Big Bullets celebrate Charity Shield cup win

    “The result doesn’t concern me we lost the charity shield of course not points and money was not at stake however Bullets, looked like they wanted to win,” Harrision said. 

    Harrison further hailed Bullets for the continued dominance in the league and said their team is undergoing a process to ensure they catch up with their rivals. 

    The title win means FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have won the Charity Shield for the sixth consecutive time, during the game they had four  corner kicks while conceding 15 fouls while Mighty Mukuru Wanderers had three corners with eight fouls. 

    Mana/tm

  • ABC Lions makes CEZOBAL finals after 10 Years

    African Bible College (ABC) Lions Basketball team will be playing in the 2023 Central Zone Basketball League (CEZOBAL) finals against Bravehearts Basketball Club having played in the finals last in 2013. 

    ABC Lions won 2-1 in their series against Central Knights, as they closed off the game on Saturday evening 53-52 at the ABC Macon Gym in Lilongwe. 

    In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday, Assistant Coach for ABC Lions, Zach Chiphangwi said it was great to have the team back in the finals and attributed the team’s noticeable efforts in the playoffs as homage paid to the late President of the School. 

    ABC Lions celebrate playoff victory with their supporters Pic from KanemaOnline

    “We have had a rivalry with Central Knights for quite some time and we had this chip on our shoulder for not making it to the finals for 10 years however this year has just been different. 

    “Following the passing of Dr. Paul Chinchen last year the boys wanted a playoff run to honor the coach who himself was passionate about the sport. Even from the warm-up t-shirts, we wore they had a phrase written “do something” which is something Chinchen loved to stand by,” he said.

    Chiphangwi went on to hail the team’s collaborated efforts during their playoff run and is hopeful they will be ready to face the defending champions Braveheart.. 

    “It’s been a difficult journey, Coach Jeff Kumwenda has been instilling a lot of disciple into the boys this season and the presence of our veterans has helped in developing the other guys very well, therefore, we are trusting the process.

    ”Bravehearts are a really big cut, we are not taking anything away from them however we are also going to fight for this and hope something positive happens,’ he added.

    Team Manager for Central Knights, Richard Chavula said the team was unlucky not to close off the game having led throughout all the quarters but is hopeful the team will improve the squad ahead of the next season. 

    Malumbo (Blue) of Knights attempts lay up against ABC (Maroon) Pic by Austin Banda

    “Basically I can say luck was not on our side, we tried everything and our best to win the game but they simply had better luck. We are going to maintain our squad and beef up on some areas,” Chavula said.

    A Sports Analysts who spoke anonymously said the playoff qualifier between Central Knights and ABC relied more on size and it was expected that Central Knights would take advantage of ABC’s injuries and foul trouble while the final matchup between ABC Lions and Bravehearts should produce quality basketball since these are among the best teams in the country. 

    The males playoff between ABC Lions and Bravehearts is scheduled to start between March 17 and 18th March at the ABC Macon Gym.

  • DD Sunshine wins National Championship opener

    DD Sunshine has started their run in the second edition of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) National women’s Championship with a 4-0 victory over Northern Region-based Topik Sisters. 

    The 2021 runners-up, DD Sunshine played Topik Sisters on Sunday in Lilongwe at the newly renovated Civo Stadium, were they dominated Topik throughout.  The scoring account was opened by Ireen Khumalo in 12th minute followed by her brace in the 44rd minute. Gladys Banda added another in additional time of the first half while Khumalo completed her hat trick in the 66th minute. 

    In a post-match interview Assistant Coach for DD Sunshine, Shadreck Chikhosi expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and promised their supporters better quality throughout the competition. 

    “We are happy with the results. The girls trained so hard and it’s what we expected. The team will continue to improve, some of our players have gone outside the country to play elsewhere therefore we have fewer numbers but we shall figure it out,”

    Chikhosi expressed joy with the team’s recent acquisition by Silver Strikers in fulfillment of Club licensing conditions set by FAM.

    DD sunshines (blue) and Topik Sisters (yellow) walk back to the pitch after half time

    During the game, several Silver Strikers supporters were present supporting DD Sunshine.

     “I would like to urge our supporters to come in large numbers to witness good football and we are happy that Silver Strikers has come to partner with us, “Chikhosi said. 

    On the other hand Coach of Topik Sisters Levi Muhone said his team will go back to the drawing board and work on their mistakes ahead of the next fixtures. 

    “DD Sunshine played good football, I noticed young players gave too much respect to our opponents. We conceded three goals in the first half very quickly but we played a much more balanced game in the second half,” Muhone said. 

    The competition was launched on 11th March at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre with a group A fixture that saw the defending Champions Nyasa Big Bullets beat Central Region’s Destiny Academy 2-0 with goals from Vanessa Chikupira and Tendai Sani. Ascent Academy beat Moyale 2-1 in Mzuzu with goals from Rose Kabzere and Catherine Gaudi while Idah Lanthenga scored for Moyale.

    The match between Ntopwa and Evirom scheduled for Sunday at Mpira Stadium was postponed to March 14 due to adverse weather caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

    The championship has 10 teams divided into two groups. After playing single round-robin games in the group stages top teams from each group will qualify for semifinals and the champions are set to win Mk3 million.