By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, August 15, Mana: District Sports Officer for Dowa, Loveness Phiri says investing in sports is a way of investing in Malawi’s human capital development as the country seeks to attain its 2063 Agenda (MW63).

She made the remarks in Dowa when Opulence Malawi donated sporting equipment to sporting teams of various disciplines at Chimwendo in Traditional Authority Chakhaza on Sunday.

"As local governments, we are championing government’s 2063 Agenda for a better Malawi. One of the important areas is human capital investment, that is, we must invest in the people for them to realise their maximum potential.

"One of the areas is sports. We have many young people with skills in various sports disciplines and all they need is support,” said Phiri.

She then commended Opulence Malawi for the donation which she described as an investment in sharpening skills of athletes in the district.

The district youth officer, however, called on the school-going-age youth to prioritise education, saying it can complement their sporting careers.

To all that benefited from the donation, Phiri advised them to take care of the equipment and ensure they properly utilise the donation as it might not always be there.

"We have seen people utilise a single chance given. You should also make sure that at the end of the day, you achieve something that you can show from this such as strengthened skills, exposure or networking," she advised.

According to Mike Siya, Project Manager for Opulence Malawi RUCOS Sports, the organisation is also implementing various interventions under pillars of education, nutrition and health.

He said the organisation came up with the initiative (donation of sporting equipment) to prevent the youth from idleness in their catchment area spanning 10 group village headmen (GVH).

“Apart from all the other social economic interventions we are implementing, we also want to empower our youth in sports.

“Sports is not only important for our physical wellbeing. It also takes the minds of our youth off immoral behaviours and gives them chance to focus on productive things. That is why we are presenting this equipment,” he said.

On the day, the organisation donated 20 footballs to 10 senior teams, 10 footballs to 10 U14 teams, 10 netballs and netball bibs, 2 volleyballs and upgraded 8 football grounds with metal goal posts.

Group Village Headman Chimwendo, in his remarks, said he was grateful for the various interventions Opulence Malawi is implementing, adding that they (interventions) would improve social economic lives of people in the area.

He, however, called for beneficiaries to make proper use of the donation and support all activities Opulence Malawi is implementing in the area.

The ceremony was spiced up by dancing competitions, volleyball and a netball match between Katungu and Chikwangula with the main event a match between Chimwendo FC and Mlangali FC which ended in a goalless draw.

This was not the first time the organisation donated in the catchment area. On July 10, 2023, Opulence Malawi made a similar donation of 20 footballs, football and netball nets, whistles, referee jerseys and, corner and lines man flags amongst other things.

The organisation has also trained two representatives from every GVH as football and netball coaches, referee and an umpire.

Mana/sk/thz

Twimepoki Mangani

Lilongwe, August 14, Mana: New Interim Coach for Bangwe All Stars, Joseph Kamwendo has expressed satisfaction with the team’s current form having overseen two games in the TNM Super League.

After beating Mighty Tigers 1-0 in his first game on 8 August, Kamwendo faced a daunting task on the road to Blue Eagles who are in the relegation zone, on Sunday at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.

Blue Eagles shocked Bangwe All Stars with a 4^th minute goal after McDonald Lameck’s midfield pass fell for Schumacher Kuwali who paced past the Bangwe defenders to beat goal keeper Elias Missi.

Kamwendo’s charges did not falter after the goal, they kept plunging numbers forward and then Robert Saizi had a moment of brilliance when he won the ball in midfield and drilled a 20 yard shot for the equaliser in the 13^th minute.

Bangwe went on to punish Blue Eagles for being jittery in possession as Emmanuel Lino’s open header doubled the lead in the 37^th minute; an assist from Yamikani Molongeni.

The Eagles looking to shake things up, made three substitutions before half time replacing Kelvin Tshibwabwa, Lankeni Mwale, and Franco Ndawa for Gilbert Chirwa, Trouble Banda and Wonder Jeremiah.

Blue Eagles’ hustle finally paid off when they got an equalizer in the 64^th minute. Maxwell Gustava’s distant throw in caused a fracas header which forced Missi to tip the ball towards Richard Lapson who headed home.

The 2-2 result will be pleasing to the Bangwe camp more having salvaged a point on the road while Blue Eagles, the 2022 league runners up still have some soul searching to do to ensure they turn their season around.

Expressing his thoughts after the full time whistle Kamwendo, who is also the former Malawi national team captain cautioned his team (Bangwe) to execute unwavering concentration throughout games to avoid conceding easily.

“It was a game of two halves, we didn’t start the way we planned as we conceded early but we picked up and score two quick goals.”

“Even before I came, I knew Bangwe is a side that plays good football therefore I am happy to be here to encourage the boys to compete,” Kamwendo said.

On the other hand, Coach for Blue Eagles, Elia Kananji hailed his team for drastically improving their offensive play over the weeks while also calling them out for not being clinical in moments against Bangwe.

Kananji added that he expected more than 6 additional minutes from referee Brighton Gwiricho because Bangwe used a lot of delaying tactics during the game.

After 17 games apiece Bangwe All Stars are 9^th on the log table with 21 points while Blue Eagles are 14^th with 17 points.

Mana/tm

By WakisaMyamba

Karonga August 7, Mana: Chitipa United FC started the TNM Super League second round with a win after defeating Karonga United 2-0 at Karonga Stadium on Sunday.

The two goals were scored by Ramadan Ntafu in the 11^th minute and China Chirwa in the 73^rd minute respectively.

In a post-match interview, Assistant Coach for Karonga United FC, Luka Bruno Milanzie was not pleased with the results, saying that his players were not utilizing chances.

On his part, Coach for Chitipa United FC, Macdonald Nginde Mtetemera expressed satisfaction with the results.

“The boys played very well and we plan to maintain with the performance,” he said.

Chitipa are on second position with 32 points while Karonga are on position 10.

By George Mponda

Mzuzu, August 11, Mana: Mzuzu Derby between Moyale Barracks FC and Ekwendeni Hammers which was played on Thursday produced no winner as the game ended 0-0.

The midweek TNM Super League fixture was the first match for both sides in the second round and it was patronised by a sizeable number of fans.

Moyale Barracks looked more threatening in the first half but their talisman, veteran striker Gasten Simkonda missed a couple of chances to put his team in front but did not achieve anything.

In the second half, the tide changed and Ekwendeni Hammers started piling pressure but   Moyale’s goalkeeper, Mc Donald Harawa was up to the task and saved alot of shots from Ekwendeni Hammers striker, Mphatso Magaleta.

At 81 minutes, Magaleta wasted the best chance to put his team in front when he blasted the ball over the bar after being fed a nice pass by Blessings Singini finishing the game in a barren state.

In an interview after the game, Coach for Ekwendeni Hammers, Elias Chirambo described the derby as a tough match.

"We know each other very well so it was never a simple match. We also missed alot of our players who feature in the first eleven due to injuries so it was hard for us to coordinate well to carry the game," said Chirambo.

In a separate interview, Assistant Coach for Moyale Barracks FC, Victor Chigoneka said the team’s striking force has been wasteful in a lot of games.

"Today we had an upperhand because some of Ekwendeni’s star players were not featured in this game but our strikers missed many chances due to lack of composure a thing which we will work on during training,” Chigoneka said.

After the game, Moyale Barracks FC defender, Maneno Nyoni was voted Player of the Match.

By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, August 9, Mana: Mangochi-based young businessperson Bilal Mussah, who is owner of Amaanat Contractors Limited on Wednesday donated a set of netball jersey worth K210,000 to Mangochi Police Netball Team.

The donation comes following a request by the Police Station's Resource Mobilisation team last week on new netball kit.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the station's premises, Mussah said that he decided to make the donation to help keep the female officers fit.

"I was delighted to be approached for support. It is a clear indication of the excellent working relationship that exists between the security unit and the business people in the district," he said.

Mussah further said that Mangochi Police Queens serve as role models to the young girls in the district.

In his remarks, Officer in charge for Mangochi Police Station, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Timothy Phiri, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying that it was timely as the station's netball team was amongst teams completing in an ongoing Eastern Region Commissioner's Trophy.

"Mangochi Police Queens are currently on first position in the ongoing Eastern Region Commissioner's Trophy. As such, the donation has come at a right time as it will help to boost their morale.

"We therefore commend Mussah for his consistent support, as this is the second time for him to help us after he previously donated the Masuku roadblock to the station. As such, we are also requesting other business people in the district to emulate this good example," said Phiri.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, August 10, MANA: Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Head Coach, Mark Harrison Wednesday said he was disappointed as his team was held to a one all goal draw in a match against Red Lions in the second round of TNM Super League.

Red Lions lead the first half of the game after Moses Namkumba scored within seven minutes of play and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers defender, Lawrence Chaziya scoring at 48 minutes making it 1-1.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) Harrison said he was not satisfied with the team’s performance in the second round of the game saying they need to build on attacking.

"We created a lot of chances and it's unbelievable that with the 90 minutes in our hands we have failed to win this game and it's so shameful to see that we are dropping points to a team which we were not supposed to, am really frustrated with today's performance,"  he said.

On the other hand Assistant Coach for Red Lions, Malumbo Mkandawire expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance saying their draw with Wanderers was a start to their wins in the second round of the league.

"Wanderers is a big team yes but the boys played very well and we plan to maintain the energy throughout the second leg of the league as such our supporters should expect only the best from us as we are going to build confidence in our players," he added.

Mkandawire said he was optimistic of winning their next game against Silver Strikers as they will be at home.

Referee Maulana Honest ended the match with four yellow cards whereby three yellows cards were given to Red Lions players, Moses Nankumba, Franklin Titan and Gibson Robert after Wanderers player Gaddi Chirwa received the first yellow card of the game in the 22^nd minute.

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers are in fourth position with 29 points with 10 goals ahead of Red Lions which has 15 points with 14 goals in TNM Super League Log Table.

By Twimepoki Mangani

Lilongwe, August 10, Mana: Football enthusiasts were on Wednesday treated to an exciting matchup between Extreme FC and Civil Service United in which both teams left it till late before they each scored to play out to a 1-1 draw at Civo Stadium in the TNM Super League.

Extreme FC were coming off a loss to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the FDH Bank cup while Civil Service were last in action when they registered a league win against Silver Strikers.

Civil Service were the better side in the first half, they kept better possession and looked more lethal in front of goal.

Muhamad Biason attempted to create Civil’s first chance when his clever but misplaced through ball went straight to goal keeper Blessings Juma. Momentously, Chikaiko Batson dribbled past midfielder, Grevin Ng’anjo and laid off a pass to Biason who shot over the bar.

Extreme FC suffered an injury blow to defender, Trevor Kalema in the 15^th minute with John Chalamanda replacing him.

Levison Gopani should have put Extreme FC ahead at least by two goals but was not clinical enough when he missed deliveries from Innocent Chipolopolo and Justice Honde respectively.

By contrast, Civil Service United amassed 10 chances in the first half and had another nine in the second while Extreme FC lagged in chance creation with seven in each half.

The second half had a similar complexion to that of the first, with Civil Service dominating and show casing their attacking velvet in the early minutes while Extreme left it late to push up the tempo and try to catch Civil on the counter.

Batson was the pace setter for Civils goal when he run circles in midfield and found substitutes Innocent Tanganyika who set up a perfect cross for Patrick Phiri to head home on the 89^th minute.

With two minutes added on for extra time, Extreme FC remained resilientand their substitute pair Babangida Ishaya passed to Beston Jimu who slotted in the equalizer.

In a post-match interview, Assistant Coach for Civil Service, Wilson Chidati accented to the difficultly of the match and noted that his team had lost concentration in the dying minutes.

“We are not happy with the result we also had a similar out comein the first round which may mean we are at par with the opponent,” he said.

 Coach for Extreme FC, Elvis Kafoteka expressed relief with the result, hailing his men for working hard to the wire and also revealed that the team is accessing some new reinforcements while the transfer window is still open.

By Arkangel Tembo

Dowa, August 8, Mana: Champion Stadium in Mponela, Dowa will soon be completed with some renovations taking place to enable soccer lovers in the district and surrounding areas enjoy Super League matches.

A 20,000 capacity stadium owned by Msaiwale Kabvina will boost economic development at the busy trading centre which is located along the M1 Road.

The project has enabled Kabvina to employ thousands of workers from the area who are working on different areas at the stadium.

A visit by the Malawi News Agency (MANA) photojournalist, Arkangel Tembo, at the stadium found out that some stands have been erected, while covered stands are also at an advanced stage.

Here are some of the images from Tembo.

By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, September 4, Mana: Malawi North District Youths of the Church of the Nazarene Sunday held various activities including planting trees to celebrate 100 years of the existence of Nazarene Youth International (NYI) Ministry.

Speaking during the three-day retreat at Rumphi Church of the Nazarene, Malawi North District NYI President who is also Malawi NYI Coordinator, Kumbukani Zgambo encouraged the youth to continue planting trees in their respective local churches so they could be part of the drive to restore forests world over.

“As part of celebrating 100 years of existence as a youth arm of the Church of the Nazarene, we are expected to plant at least 100 trees in our district.

“Other Nazarene Youths are doing the same; we are doing this to help ease the challenges of deforestation,” he said.

As part of the celebrations, the youth held music and quiz competitions, various sporting activities and visited Vwaza Marsh Reserve to appreciate nature.

According to Zgambo, taking the youth to the reserve was one way of motivating them to be a community that appreciates nature.

District Superintendent for the Malawi North District, Rev. Robert Chinula appreciated the youth for participating in the tree planting challenge.

“I appreciate the youths for responding to the call of planting a minimum of 100 trees in each district,” he said.

Nazarene Youth International (NYI) will clock 100 years of existence on September 19, 2023 and youth in the Africa region have been challenged to plant at least 100 trees in their respective districts as part of the celebration.

By Abubakar Kanjoka

Kasungu, August 28, Mana: World Women Day of Prayers – Kasungu Chapter have donated various items worth K2.5 million to families at Nthunduwala Camp in Sub-Traditional Authority Nthunduwala in Kasungu West.

Making the donation on Sunday, which included maize flour, clothes, exercise books and other food stuffs, chairperson for the group, Eness Chilipapa, said the group decided to support the camp residents both spiritually and materially after noting with concern the degrading conditions at the camp.

Chilipapa said: “This year we thought it wise to cheer the residents of Nthunduwala Camp after we had seen on social media how these people are suffering.

“They lack literally everything. They have no food; they have no land to cultivate own food and their children lack resources to support them in school.”

Chilipapa said as part of celebrations and in commemoration of the global Women Day of Prayers, which occurs in the first week of March every year, we organised a day to preach the gospel and also engage in charitable work by providing some basic necessities to those in need.

The group also preached the gospel to the camp residents to give them hope and inspiration that their situation would turn around for the better in future.

“They don’t have to give up. God is watching and one day he will change their situation. We just have to keep praying for them and showing them love by supporting them with their needs. This will also reduce their stress,” she said.

Chairperson for the camp, Stanley Nkhoma, commended the group for the support, stating that it had come at the time when they had lost hope as they had nothing to eat.

“We are happy that, at least, we will eat today. Our longing is that government should allocate us land where we can stay and be able to produce our own food. We are Malawians, but we are living like refugees in our own country,” Nkhoma said.

Group Village Nthunduwala, expressed worry with the condition of the camp and urged authorities to relocate the people to a place where they can have farming land.

“The biggest challenge we have is that these people have no land where they can grow and produce their own food. The camp is too small for 650 people.

“The people are really suffering and it is my plea to authorities to quickly act on this. At least transferring them to one of the government’s general farming sites could be ideal,” he said.

Nthunduwala Camp came into existence in 2012 to temporarily host ex-tenants who were working in tobacco estates in Kasungu.