From MBC to Zodiak Radio, Malawi’s legendary commentator proves that true passion never retires, bringing the beautiful game alive for every listener.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Steve Liwewe Banda, a veteran Malawian football commentator, retired from Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) two years ago after an incredible 38-year career.
Although he left the state media house, he remains far from tired; in fact, his commentary now feels richer, like a vintage wine that has only improved with time.
Nowadays, Liwewe is a familiar voice on Zodiak Broadcasting Station, where he continues to narrate football matches with unmatched energy, precision, and passion.
On Sunday, 9 November 2025, the self-proclaimed Captain of the Air was back on ZBS airwaves, covering the 2025 FDH Bank Cup final between Silver Strikers FC and Mighty Wanderers FC at Bingu National Stadium.
As expected, his commentary was flawless, keeping fans glued to their radios and creating a stadium atmosphere for listeners far from the pitch.
Liwewe’s voice has become synonymous with Malawian football, bridging generations and connecting communities through the drama, skill, and excitement of the game.
For many, listening to him evokes memories of football’s golden era, when radio commentary could rival the thrill of watching a match live.
Fans often recall the days when he partnered with Patrick Simango, forming a legendary commentary duo that defined radio football coverage in Malawi.
“Chikadzati Monireeee Monireee kwatentha kuno kuli dzuwa loumitsa zithapwi eeee,” fans nostalgically quote, remembering the playful, rhythmic phrases that made every match unforgettable.
During Embassy Trophy days, teams such as MDC United, Bata Bullets, and MTL Wanderers featured legendary players, including Kachibowo Malunga, Grant Lungu, Davie Mpesi, and Ngeya Kamanga.
Bata Bullets’ roster included stars like Muzipasi Mwangonde, Jon’s Nkhwazi, Fischer Kondowe, Swadick Sanudi, Navigator, Maupo Msowoya, Clement Kafwafwa, Fundi Akidu, Daglous Chirambo, and Zakazaka.
In yesterday’s FDH Bank Cup final, Liwewe expertly narrated every moment—from Fischer Kondowe transferring the weight of attack to Muzipasi Mwangonde, to Wanderers intercepting the ball to launch a deadly counterattack.
Listeners were kept on edge as Joseph Kamwendo executed a dummy to beat a defender, only for the ball to zoom out, exemplifying the unpredictability and drama of football.
Twenty-seven minutes into the first half, Liwewe updated fans: no goals had been scored yet, highlighting Bullets’ dominance and setting the scene for an intense contest.
He captured the agony of missed opportunities, reminding fans that the most painful goals often happen in the dying minutes of a match.
“Hide your daughters because the captain is in town,” he exclaimed, blending humor with passion, a trademark of his storytelling style.
As the ball went off the field, Liwewe’s voice made even mundane moments tantalizing—dolo Steve Liwewe—showcasing his ability to bring drama to every play.
When Peter Mponda of Bullets controlled the ball, dribbled past an opponent, and launched a long ball toward Russell Mwafulirwa, Liwewe shouted with excitement: “It’s a goooooal! Malawi 1-0 Kenya! Ndidolo kasanu uyu!”
The excitement continued as Fischer Kondowe scored a second goal with a tapping header, increasing the lead to 2-1, and Liwewe’s narration captured the exhilaration perfectly.
Heartbreak followed when Mozambique’s Tico-Tico scored in the dying minutes, and Liwewe did not shy away from the drama: “Ooooooh, and they have scored! We are out! We are definitely out!”
Even missed opportunities were narrated with intensity: “Failing to score while scoring was easier than missing. Even my wife could have scored that. The empty net was yawning, but look at that bad execution by Willy Thawale!”
His famous phrase, “The ball tantalizing to the touchline!” captivated listeners, turning every action on the field into a spectacle.
Liwewe painted vivid pictures of the game: the ball zooming out for a throw-in, the suspense of an attack, or the drama of a long-range strike.
Fans have often compared his style to international commentators like Peter Drury, who similarly bring stadiums to life through voice alone.
Through his mastery, Liwewe transformed football commentary from reporting into an art form, merging tempo, hype, emotion, and imagery into a seamless narrative.
Alongside Patrick Simango, Liwewe defined the golden age of Malawian radio commentary, making listening often more thrilling than watching the match on TV.
Every pass, dribble, and goal was brought to life, allowing listeners to feel as if they were present in the stadium itself.
Even young fans born in the 2000s are learning football through his commentary, understanding player movements and tactics in a way that few could teach.
“The ball has landed in no man’s land,” he would say, turning quiet moments into suspenseful ones, keeping listeners fully engaged.
Fans who had followed him on MBC quickly discovered his new home at Zodiak Radio and continue to tune in for every match he covers.
Liwewe’s influence stretches beyond the commentary booth; he is a cultural icon whose voice shapes how Malawians experience football.
Historic matches, like the 1996 Bata Bullets vs. MTL Wanderers 5-0 victory at Civo Stadium, live on in memory largely because of his narration.
Even casual fans acknowledge that football commentary in Malawi is incomplete without mentioning Steve Liwewe Banda.
He inspires new generations of broadcasters and fans, keeping the passion for football alive across radio waves.
Every match he covers proves that retirement has not diminished his skill, enthusiasm, or influence.
Steve Liwewe Banda remains the voice of Malawian football—retired but far from tired, an enduring legend whose commentary continues to captivate hearts and minds.
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