The Malawi Guardian

06/08/2025

Somba-Banda Steps Aside to Uphold CAF Integrity

Mighty Wanderers Board Member and former Super League of Malawi President, Tiya Somba-Banda, has voluntarily stepped down from his position at the club in a move aimed at preserving the integrity of continental football competitions.

The decision, announced in a statement signed by Board Secretary Chancy Gondwe, comes as the Nomads gear up for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign. Somba-Banda, who currently serves as a CAF General Coordinator, chose to resign to avoid any potential conflict of interest linked to his dual roles.

“This proactive step is to ensure fairness and transparency in the competition,” reads part of the club’s statement.

The club further hailed Somba-Banda for his selfless leadership and contributions:

“We sincerely thank Mr. Tiya Somba Banda for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment during his tenure as Director and Chairman of Football Development. His contributions have been invaluable as we continue our mission to make Mighty Wanderers mighty again.”

Somba-Banda’s resignation is being viewed as a professional and commendable decision in the spirit of ethical sports governance.

05/08/2025

Botswana Opens Market for Malawian Rice – Minister Mumba

Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba—who is also the running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera in the upcoming September 16 election—has revealed that officials from his ministry will travel to Botswana later this month to negotiate rice export opportunities for Malawian farmers.

Mumba made the announcement at Chintheche in Nkhata Bay during a campaign rally held jointly with President Chakwera.

"Let me reveal this today: when the President of Botswana, Mr. Duma Boko, visited Malawi, he tasted our Kilombero rice. Just two days later, I received a phone call from Botswana’s Minister of Trade saying their President was impressed by our rice and wants it exported to their country. The market is ready—let’s grow more rice,” said Mumba.

He further added that the development will help create more job opportunities for Malawians.

05/08/2025

NBS Bank National Division League | Tuesday Results.

05/08/2025

Parliament Approves Elections Amendment Bill Following Presidential Directive

Parliament has passed the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2025, following a directive by President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for the National Assembly to reconvene and deliberate on the matter.

The newly passed bill will enable polling staff, security officers, and representatives of candidates and political parties to cast their votes at designated polling stations—ensuring inclusive participation in the electoral process.

President Chakwera issued the directive in line with Section 67(4) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to recall Parliament in the event of a constitutional crisis or emergency between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the General Election.

The move is seen as a significant step toward strengthening electoral integrity and inclusivity in the country’s democratic processes.

05/08/2025

Mzuzu City Hammers Players Threaten to Boycott Over Unpaid Dues

Mzuzu-based City Hammers players are reportedly planning to boycott training sessions and upcoming matches due to outstanding monthly allowances and game bonuses.

According to an inside source, some players are struggling to attend training on an empty stomach, citing delayed payments as the root cause of their challenges.

“We haven’t been paid our salaries and allowances for two months now. Things are tough—some players live in rented houses and are failing to pay rent, while others can’t even afford food,” said the source.

This publication has also established that the team bus, which was previously used to transport players to and from training, is no longer serving that purpose. It is now reportedly being used by the club’s General Secretary and other officials for personal errands around town.

Players are currently walking long distances—up to 13 kilometers round trip—to attend training sessions at Mzuzu Government Secondary School. Many of them reside in areas such as Luwinga, Mchengautuwa, Chibavi, and Sonda.

However, Team Manager Felix has denied the allegations, calling them baseless.

“I don’t know anything about that. As far as I’m concerned, all players are being paid, and everything is running smoothly,” Mkandawire said.

Mkandawire also dismissed claims about the misuse of the team bus, adding that the club has since shifted its training venue to Katoto Secondary School ground and no player is walking to training.

Mzuzu City Hammers currently sit 15th on the TNM Super League table with 8 points from 14 games played, They are expected to wrap up the first round of the season with a fixture against Silver Strikers at Rumphi Stadium on Sunday.

(By Mavuto Nyirongo - Mzuzu)

04/08/2025

Chakwera Reaffirms Commitment to Complete M’mbelwa University

President Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completing the long-awaited M’mbelwa University project.

Speaking at Ephangweni, the headquarters of Inkosi Mzukuzuku in Mzimba district, Chakwera said that the project remains one of his key priorities and assured the community that its completion is on the horizon.

“I know that M’mbelwa University is one of the projects close to your heart. I must assure you that it is one of my priority projects,” said Chakwera. “Very soon, you will see the project being completed—just like we have completed the road from here to Jenda.”

Chakwera emphasized that if his administration has managed to construct schools, roads, and other essential infrastructure, then completing the university is also achievable.

Meanwhile, Chambulanyina Jere, the Shadow Member of Parliament for the area, commended the Chakwera-led administration for ongoing development efforts, including the construction of police units, secondary schools, and roads. He described the initiatives as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of Malawians.

“While we are grateful for the numerous projects in this area, we are still asking for piped water here at Ephangweni,” Jere added.

On his part, Inkosi Mzukuzuku praised Chakwera’s selection of Vitumbiko Mumba as his running mate, describing it as a recognition of the important role young people can play in national development.

04/08/2025

National Referees Association Mourns General Secretary Chris Kalichero

The National Referees Association is mourning the untimely passing of its General Secretary, Chris Kalichero, who died at Kamuzu Central Hospital.

His death has left a profound void in the football fraternity, where he was known as a committed and passionate figure. Confirming the news, Deputy General Secretary Clemence Kanduku revealed that Kalichero had been battling diabetes for the past two years. Despite ongoing health concerns, his sudden death came as a shock to many.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course. The association, colleagues, and his loved ones are united in grief as they remember a man who served the game with integrity and dedication.

04/08/2025

04/08/2025

Police in Mangochi have arrested Amin Jameson aged 19 for being connected to the murder of his niece Leticia Adam aged 3.

Leticia who was the daughter of Jameson's martenal Aunt was reported missing on 27 July 2025 ,her body was later discovered in one of the compound's toilets.

Postmortem results confirmed the child was sexually assaulted then later strangled to death.

Jameson who was apprehended with the help of community members confessed to sexually assaulting and killing the child after she threatened him of reporting to the grandparents.

Jameson hails from chipoka village traditional authority Mponda in Mangochi is expected to appear in Court soon.

04/08/2025

SOME OF THE MAIN HEADLINES FROM YESTERDAY

1️⃣ The DPP party has said that if it returns to power, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) will increase from K220 million to K5 billion per year for each constituency.

2️⃣ Vitumbiko Mumba, running mate to Lazarus Chakwera, said Malawians should support the MCP in order to address issues of poverty, unemployment, and to ensure that the youth have income-generating opportunities.

3️⃣ UTM party leader Dalitso Kabambe said Malawians need to elect economic experts to revive the country’s economy. He added that under the MCP administration, fertilizer prices have increased by 700%.

4️⃣ People's Party (PP) President Joyce Banda said that if she assumes leadership on 16 September this year, her first priorities will be fixing passport services, distributing motorbikes to the youth, and building houses for the underprivileged.

5️⃣ Peter Mukhito, senior secretary in the DPP, claimed that there are individuals who plotted against the party’s leader Peter Mutharika, which led to Mutharika being advised not to get out of his vehicle during a rally at Njamba in Blantyre.

6️⃣ Richard Chimwendo Banda, MCP’s Secretary General, said that once a funeral leaves a house, it doesn’t return — meaning the DPP should forget about winning the 16 September elections, calling their hopes "lion dreams" (unrealistic ambitions).

7️⃣ There was drama at Champions Stadium where MAFCO tried hard to prevent Bullets from scoring. However, Chikumbutso Salima spoiled their plans and scored in the 77th minute, giving FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 33 points, while Mighty Wanderers have 34 points.

8️⃣ Mzuzu City Hammers continue to struggle, having been hammered 4–0 by Civil Service United yesterday. Moyale also lost at home to Karonga United by one goal to nil.

9️⃣ Many are saying Manchester United is showing strong form after drawing 2–2 with Everton in the Premier League Summer Series match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

04/08/2025

Building Social Capital: African Students for Liberty's Fight Against Nepotism

Over 90 students attended an event at Mzuzu University, organized by African Students for Liberty, which focused on combating nepotism and cronyism under the theme "Wachibale Syndrome".

African Students for Liberty provides a platform for young people to network and build relationships with like-minded individuals.

According to Judge Banda, National Coordinator for Students Liberty, social capital plays a crucial role in connecting individuals to opportunities, enabling them to access recommendations and various prospects.

Since the rebirth of African Students for Liberty in Malawi, over 10,000 students have been trained equipping them with knowledge and skills necessary to drive meaningful change in their communities. These students access various opportunities, including scholarships, employment, and internships, which can significantly boost their careers.

On her part, Witness Makwakwa, a local coordinator for African Students for Liberty, nepotism can hinder creativity within the organization, as individuals may not be allowed to contribute their ideas freely. This can stifle innovation and progress, ultimately affecting the organization's mission.

The organization offers several programs and initiatives aimed at promoting liberty and economic freedom in Africa. One of its flagship programs is the Local Coordinator Program, a premier initiative for advancing free market and individual liberty ideas in colleges and campuses across Africa.

By Killion Mseteka_ Mzuzu

03/08/2025