MANAonline
Blue Eagles lifts 2024 FDH Cup
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, September 1, Mana: Chipiku Premier Division side, Blue Eagles Sunday lifted the K150 million FDH Cup for the first time after defeating defending champions, Nyasa Big bullets, on post-match penalties 3-2 at Bingu National Stadium in Area 48, in Lilongwe.
Eagles substitute goalkeeper, Joshua Waka turned to be hero of the day when he saved three penalties from Previous Phiri, Clyde Senaj and Babatunde Adepoju.
The two teams were deadlocked 0-0 at the end of the regulation time despite, Bullets creating more attacks but Eagles custodian, Brighton Munthali was marvel to watch with his reflex saves.
Eagles converted their penalties through Andrew Junvinala, Ganizani James and Ranken Mwale while Micium Mhone and Jacob Robert failed to deliver home their spots while Bullets scored their penalties through Gomezgani Chirwa and Nixon Nyasulu.
The win has prevented Bullets from claiming a treble in FDH Cup finals since 2022 and another quadruple year seems to be history.
The Area 30 Cops have claimed a treble over Bullets on Cup finals as they first did it first in 1995 when they hammered them 2-0- at Civo Stadium in Area 9 during the defunct Chibuku Cup final, and Airtel Top 8 final in 2018 when they reduced them to size with a 1-0 win through a penalty scored by Stuart Mbuenge.
Eagles Coach, Elia Guardiola Kananji has made history that he has made a third team he has coached to win a cup after Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers previously.
Both halves Bullets dominated play with Ronald Chitiyo, Babatunde and Ephraim Kondowe having an attempt at Eagles goal area but they failed to eluded ever alert, Munthali.
Eagles had a half chance after 19 minutes when Schumacher Kuwali’s effort hit the cross bar with Bullets stopper, Richard Chimbamba well beaten.
At the half mark Referee, David Chinoko appeared to be losing truck and players were committing a lot of fouls but he was always taking lenient views.
The second was more similar page of the first as Bullets continued piling pressure on the Nankhaka Boys but they still had challenge of putting the ball at the back of the net.
With nine minutes to time, Chimbamba had a poor clearance outside the edge of the penalty but the loose ball was blasted over by Eagle’s midfielder, Laurent Banda.
Eagles Coach, Kananji made a tactical change on the 89 minute when he brought out injured Munthali for Waka and it paid dividend to them.
“This was one of the fine cup final which has lived up to the billing but the pitch has marred the beauty of it. It was very unfortunately that the invasion which engineered by men in uniform when they were supposed to safeguard safety of the fans,” a football devotee from Kawale, Mayeso Mussa observed.
He added, “The invading fans have put pressure on the surface of the pitch and we only have four days to fix it before we face Burundi in the World cup qualifiers.”
As Champions, Blue Eagles will pocket K35 million while the losing finalists, Bullets will get K17 million.
MCP unveils National Executive Council, vows to foster unity and development
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, September 1, Mana: The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) took a significant step towards unity and development as its Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda, announced the National Executive Council (NEC) at the party's headquarters in Lilongwe on Sunday.
In his address, Chimwendo described the unveiling of the NEC as a crucial milestone in the party's journey to foster unity and purpose among its members. He emphasized that, despite facing numerous challenges, the MCP remains steadfast in its commitment to driving development and progress in Malawi.
Chimwendo Banda underscored that the MCP is committed to putting aside differences and working towards a common goal.
"We recognize that our diversity is our strength, and we are determined to harness this diversity to drive development and progress," he said.
"We are proud to announce our NEC, a team of dedicated individuals who share our vision of a united and prosperous Malawi; we believe that through unity and collective effort, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness," he added.
MCP's Publicity Officer, Dr. Jessie Kabwila-Kapasula, praised the MCP's commitment to unity, saying: "Unity is not just a slogan, but a necessary condition for our collective survival and progress. When we stand together, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges and achieve greatness."
The announcement of the NEC has been welcomed by party members and supporters, who see it as a positive step towards unity and development. As Malawi continues to face various challenges, the MCP's commitment to unity and development is seen as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Bishop Kaulanda honored for lifetime of service
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, September 1, Mana: Vice President Michael Usi on Sunday presided over a farewell ceremony for Bishop Francis Kaulanda, outgoing leader of the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi, an event held at Silver Stadium which brought together government officials, church leaders, and congregants to honor a leader who has made a lasting impact on the nation.
In his remarks, Vice President Usi praised Kaulanda's humility, selflessness, and dedication to the church and nation.
"Bishop Kaulanda has been a true leader, demonstrating that leadership is not about power or authority but about humility and service to others," Usi remarked.
He highlighted Kaulanda's efforts to unite the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi, citing his legacy of love, compassion, and unity as an inspiration to many.
Vice President Usi commended Kaulanda's transformative leadership, particularly his holistic approach to ministry. He noted the establishment of the Lake Malawi Anglican University (LAMAU) as a testament to Kaulanda's vision and commitment to education.
"His service was filled with endless possibilities, and his spiritual formation has been a driving force for national transformation," Usi said.
The Vice President recognized the significant role Kaulanda played in Malawi's development process, acknowledging the fruitful partnership between the Anglican Church and the government.
In appreciation for the Vice President's attendance, Kaulanda said it indicated that the church and government share a common goal of serving the people.
He said: “There is strong partnership between religious and state institutions in promoting the welfare of Malawians. It is important to collaborate and offer mutual support in driving the nation’s progress.”
As Bishop Kaulanda retires, Vice President Usi urged Malawians to follow his example of love and service.
"Let us embody the spirit of love and service that he exemplified. Together, we can address the multi-faceted challenges facing our society and work towards building an inclusively wealthy, self-reliant, and industrialized upper-middle-income economy as envisioned in MW2063," Usi stated.
The ceremony concluded with Vice President Usi expressing his deep gratitude to Bishop Kaulanda, wishing him a peaceful and blessed retirement.
Envoy to China upbeat on FOCAC outcomes for Malawi
By Chikondi Chimala, in Beijing, China
Beijing, September 1, Mana: Malawi's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Allan Chintedza, expressed optimism on Sunday about the outcomes of the upcoming 4th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, scheduled to take place from September 4th to 6th.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Chintedza stated that Malawi stands to benefit from the outcomes agreed upon at the summit, following the conclusion of the previous framework that was in effect from 2021 and has now ended.
Said Chintedza: “As Malawi we will take advantage of the discussions to get opportunities in Agriculture, Mining and Tourism as key priorities, as we seek to diversify the economy to spar development for the country as espoused by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
“We have to make sure that our interests as Malawi are actually agreed upon at this particular summit because if they are not taken into consideration at this summit in terms of our priority areas then we won’t be able to benefit from the next three year programme.”
The Malawi envoy also said it was important that President Chakwera accepted the invitation from Chinese President, Xi Jinping, as it will ensure that Malawi has a say at the table with its focus on agricultural modernization and mechanization, tourism and mining.
The meeting of the Heads of State and Government will be preceded by meetings of senior officials and the Ninth Ministerial Conference on 1st and 2nd September respectively which will look at technical and policy issues for recommendation for adoption by the heads of state.
The 2024 Summit will among others focus on building relations and cooperation in supporting Africa’s industrialization, energy and trade as a priority, talent development, accelerating agricultural modernization, belt and road cooperation and agenda 2063 of the African Union, modernization and mutual learning among civilizations, political, peace, and security cooperation as well as poverty reduction.
President Chakwera is expected to arrive on Monday in China and is expected to hold bilateral talks with Xi Jinping and also hold meetings with various industry captains and partners with a view for fostering developments in Malawi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo and Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda will attend the ministers meeting that will develop the framework for cooperation.
FOCAC was instituted in 2020 to foster relations between China and the 53 African nations and the African Union (AU) and is held every six years while the minister’s conference is held every three years.
Karonga United strike claims victory over Baka City FC
By Esther Ndhlozi
Rumphi, September 1, Mana: In a thrilling TNM Super League match played at Rumphi Stadium on Saturday, Karonga United FC run over Baka City FC thanks to a strike from Saulos Moyo.
The highly contested encounter saw both teams creating scoring chances but the match in first half ended 0-0.
Baka City FC in 23rd minute earned their first corner but failed to convert it into a goal but it was Karonga United who finally brought the game to life in the 79th minute following Man of the Match, Moyo’s goal.
With the lone goal, Karonga United FC gained three points hence moving up from 20 to 23 points, although they still remain in position 11 on the league’s log table.
Baka City FC is at the bottom of the log table with 8 points to their name as they continue to struggle to defend their existence in the league.
In post-match interviews, Head Coach for Karonga United, Oscar Kaunda commended both teams for displaying a grand show while congratulating his charges for carrying the day.
However, Kaunda expressed concern that his team struggled to adapt to the pitch which he said was new to them thereby impacting on their performance.
“The game was tough for us because the pitch was new to the boys and they found it difficult to adjust,” Kaunda said.
Today’s game marks a new chapter for us, bringing new energy and momentum. We are looking forward to maintaining this pace as the league continues,” he concluded.
Coach for Baka City FC, Kondwani Mwalweni refused to grant interviews. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Karonga United.
Kavala advises Catholic media to practice ethical journalism
By Arnold Namanja
Mulanje, September 1, Mana: Malawi Network for Elderly Persons Organization (MANEPO) Executive Director, Andrew Kavala has urged catholic journalists to practice ethical journalism in the run-up to the September 2025 general elections.
Speaking when he was the guest of honour during the 2024 Annual General Meeting for the Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ) at Nalipiri Lodge in Mulanje, Kavala stressed the importance of media ethics for the media.
Kavala encouraged journalists to write impactful stories that promote the rights of marginalized people in society including elderly persons in Malawi who continue to face numerous abuse at the hands of people in various communities.
He acknowledged the role that journalists play in society, noting that Catholic journalists were not mere reporters as they also have the duty of stewards of democracy as well as defenders of truth.
“Your efforts to uncover and report the truth hold the powerful accountable and give voice to the voiceless. This dedication is a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation and biasness are increasingly prevalent,” he said.
Kavala challenged catholic journalists to strive at earning trust from their audience as well as readers, emphasizing that trust is as a result of being transparent, consistent and ethical in exercising journalism duties.
“By ensuring that the information you share is accurate and meaningful, you shape public opinion, influence policy decisions and hold those in power accountable,” he said, adding: “Your work has the power to inspire change, foster understating and support the democratic process.”
Speaking earlier, Vice national Chairperson for ACJ, Josephine Chinele said Catholic journalists should be the first point of call for the church as such should promote and defend its values and principles.
Chinele said Catholic journalists have a moral and religious obligation to speak for the church and propagate its social teachings through various commissions such as the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, the Catholic Development Commission, among others.
Outgoing secretary-general for the eastern region, Clever Nsaka who works for Radio Maria Malawi said the annual assembly was crucial in improving his understanding of media ethics and also served as a refresher to the Catholic Catechesis.
Meanwhile, the ACJ has ushered into office a new national executive committee comprising Lucky Mkandawire, from Nation Publication Limited as its chairperson, Moses Mapulanga, from Dzimwe Community Radio as the secretary General, Mary Chikaonda who works with Radio Alinafe has been elected as the treasurer while four others are committee members.
The Association of Catholic Journalists was established in 1998 with the goal of fostering professionalism among journalists and upholding the values of the Catholic Church.
FAM President urges unity in football
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, September 1, Mana: As the highly anticipated 2024 FDH Bank Plc - Malawi Cup Final between Blue Eagles FC and Nyasa Big Bullets approaches, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya has issued a heartfelt appeal to football fans.
In a statement posted on social media, Haiya reminded supporters that football is a unifying force meant to bring people together, not drive them apart.
He urged fans to show respect to each other, the players, and officials, regardless of their team allegiance.
Haiya emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful and sporting atmosphere during the match, saying, "No violence of any kind is permissible, no insults, just pure love for the beautiful game."
The FAM President encouraged fans to celebrate the talent on display and leave the stadium clean, promoting fair play and unity.
Haiya's message resonates with the #TransformingTheGame initiative, aimed at revolutionizing the football industry in Malawi.
With his appeal, Haiya sets the tone for a thrilling and harmonious Malawi Cup Final, showcasing the best of Malawian football and sportsmanship.
Neno DC sees environmental revival through CS-EPWP efforts
By Salome Gangire
Neno, August 31, Mana: Neno District Commissioner, Rosemary Nawasha, has commended the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) for intervening to restore the district's once-thriving vegetative cover.
Nawasha expressed appreciation over CS-EPWP interventions on Friday at Chikonde Model Primary School when community members from Chiwale Catchment received cash payments after participating in cash for work environmental conservation activities.
The District Commissioner reflected on the district’s past, recalling Neno’s vast vegetative cover and rich biodiversity.
She said due to unsustainable human activities such as irresponsible tree cutting for charcoal production and cooking, this has left much of the district barren and vulnerable to soil erosion.
“Deforestation has led to severe surface runoff, leaving the land bare and accelerating soil erosion,” said Nawasha.
The DC said through activities like afforestation, creation of contour marker ridges and gully reclamation under the CS-EPWP, the district was making strides in reversing the trend.
She highlighted that the council was implementing several activities to deal with illegal and careless tree cutting so as to restore lost vegetative cover.
“We have been working closely with communities and their leaders to discourage deforestation. Additionally, we conduct regular patrols in collaboration with the police and forest officers to prevent environmental harm,” the District Commissioner added.
Despite challenges such as a shortage of enforcement officers, Nawasha said was optimistic that the council will curb illegal activities that threaten the environment.
She therefore urged CS-EPWP participants to use their earnings wisely, prioritising essential needs like food and child education as schools will soon open.
“Government provide funds to ensure wellbeing of families as they participate in environmental conservation activities within the programme,” she said.
Programme Facilitator for CS-EPWP in Neno, Chrissy Kamanga explained that it takes participants to work for 24 paid days and 10-days community service to earn MK38, 400 per cycle.
She said the programme is not only meant to restore the district's natural environment but also meant to improve livelihood of participants that can afford basic household necessities.
Kamanga said Neno District has 14,228 participants engaged across 14 micro-catchments contributing to environmental restoration and other related community initiated activities.
One of the participants from Chiwale Catchment, Dick Kapingasa of Joliji village at Traditional Authority Chekucheku said was grateful to government for introducing CE-EPWP in his area.
He said CE-EPWP was significant in restoring the environment apart from improving household income among participants that receive payments per cycle.
CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP), implemented by the Malawi Government through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with funding from the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Government applauds late Nkhulambe's chieftaincy
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, August 31, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika on Saturday attended burial of Senior Chief Nkhulambe in Phalombe who died on Wednesday night at John Chilembwe Hospital in the district.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony, the Deputy Minister said late Nkhulambe’ s leadership was worthy emulating describing her as “full of humanity “and was known to have left a cleaner record.
The Deputy Minister added that Nkhulambe largely focused on development and uniting her subjects among other good things on record.
“Since she was installed as group village in 1989 until her death, the ministry did not receive any complaints from her subjects and we would like to ask chiefs and all in leadership positions to emulate from her character,” the deputy minister said.
Lhomwe Paramount Chief, Kaduya said Lhomwe chiefs have lost a strong pillar, a person who used to advise other chiefs on governance issues.
Kaduya therefore advised other chiefs to emulate late Nkhulambe’s style of leadership, which she said was exemplary in all aspects.
Speaking earlier, Senior Chief Chimombo of Nsanje described late Nkhulambe as one of the chiefs who had no fear in discharging her duties because she had vast knowledge on leadership beginning as group village head.
“We all need to know that to become a chief we need to have knowledge and wisdom from God. This was the reason she was able to discharge her duties without fear, where people are wrong she was able to say it,” he added.
Born Loney Nachamba, Nkhulambe was born on April 10, 1952 and died at age 72 and became traditional leader as Group Village head Nkhulambe in 1989.
She was elevated to Sub-Traditional Authority Nkhulambe in 2004, in 2009 was elevated to Traditional Authority Nkhulambe and later elevated to a position of Senior Chief in 2019.
In attendance was also Traditional Authority Mambucha from Mozambique and other traditional leaders from Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Mulanje and Nsanje among others.
DoDMA rescues families from hunger in Salima district
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, September 1, Mana: Households affected by dry spells, caused by El Nino and floods in Salima district have received fortified maize flour from Malawi government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to help in alleviating hunger problems.
Speaking on Saturday, in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza after receiving the relief items, Thomas Yohane from Kamanula village said the items have come at a right time when many people in the area are struggling to find food for their families.
“I am pleased with this timely support from the government. My family struggled to find food due to exorbitant prices of maize in our area and it is not easy to find money here. Sometimes my family was going to bed on an empty stomach, because we did not harvest much this year as a result of dry spells,” he said.
Another beneficiary from Chilambanjala village, Agness Edward said the flour she has received will enable her family to have enough food with her large family for some time.
“I have eight children and it is not easy to find enough food for all of them. This bag will enable my family to have enough food for over a week while I will be finding other means of providing for my family,” she said.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Salima, Gloria Chinangwa said after conducting assessment on the affected households hit by floods and dry spells in the district, it pleased the government to offer such relief items through their office.
“We are distributing the maize flour to households who were affected by floods and dry spells in the district. It is our target to reach 4,000 households with these relief items so that they should not solely be without food items in their homes,” she said.
Meanwhile, DoDMA is also collaborating with other partners who are willing to help the people in the district who encountered the same problem.
The targeted households are from senior chiefs Khombedza, Kuluunda, Maganga, Ndindi, and Kambwiri who suffered from floods and dry spells that affected their crop production in 2023/2024 farming season.
