Bullets’ disappointing draw at Nankhaka: Peter Mponda’s tactics under scrutiny

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a lackluster display, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets failed to capitalize on the opportunity to gain ground in the TNM Super League title race, drawing 0-0 with Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.

The People’s Team, under the stewardship of coach Peter Mponda, looked far from their best as they struggled to break down the Eagles’ defense.

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This latest result is the third consecutive setback for Bullets, who suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Mighty Wanderers in a TNM Super League match two weeks ago at Kamuzu Stadium.

The team followed that disappointment with a 1-0 loss to the same opponents in the FDH Bank Cup semifinals last week.

The stalemate against Blue Eagles has raised questions about Mponda’s tactical acumen and the team’s overall form.

Bullets, who are currently second in the league standings, will have to regroup quickly and reassess their strategy if they hope to regain their title aspirations. With key players seemingly off the pace, Mponda faces a daunting task in getting his team back on track.

The match itself was a cagey affair, with neither side able to create a plethora of scoring opportunities.

Blue Eagles, ranked seventh in the league, showed greater resolve in defense, nullifying Bullets’ attacking threats and earning a hard-fought point.

As the league enters its final stretch, Bullets will need to rediscover the form that saw them dominate the competition in recent seasons.

With their title hopes hanging in the balance, Mponda’s coaching skills are under increasing scrutiny.

The 0-0 draw at Nankhaka Stadium will do little to alleviate the pressure on the coach, who will come under intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.

Bullets’ next assignment will be a crucial test of their resolve, as they look to bounce back from this disappointing result and keep their title dreams alive.

However, with their current form, it seems like a tall order for the People’s Team.

The draw has seen Bullets drop further behind league leaders Mighty Wanderers, who seem to be pulling away at the top of the table. Unless Bullets can quickly turn their fortunes around, they risk losing out on the title they have dominated for so long.

For now, Bullets fans can only hope that Mponda and his team regroup and come up with a winning strategy to take on the challenges ahead.

One thing is certain – the People’s Team cannot afford to continue in this manner if they hope to emerge as champions.

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Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex ready for Africa Netball Cup

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Patricia Wiskes, has expressed full confidence that the Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe is fully prepared to host the 2025 Africa Netball Cup, set to take place from December 8th to 14th.

The confirmation follows a comprehensive inspection of the facility conducted earlier on Wednesday.

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Minister Wiskes, accompanied by senior officials from the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS), the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) and local organizing committee, toured various sections of the complex, including the playing courts, dressing rooms, stands and media areas.

Speaking after the inspection, Wiskes said the government has spared no effort in ensuring that the facility meets international standards required by the Confederation of African Netball Associations (CANA).

She highlighted that the upcoming tournament is not only a sporting event but also an opportunity to promote Malawi’s image on the continental stage.

“This is more than just about hosting matches, it’s about showcasing our nation’s hospitality, our sporting talent and our readiness to handle major international events,” she said.

According to the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Macmillan Mwale, special attention is being given to ensuring stable water and electricity supply at the venue, as well as maintaining high hygiene standards throughout the games.

He noted that additional backup generators and water storage systems are being installed to prevent disruptions during the tournament.

Mwale further revealed that the Local Organizing Committee has been working closely with Lilongwe City Council to improve access roads, waste management and security measures around the sports complex.

“We want visiting teams and fans to have the best experience possible while in Malawi,” he said.

Preparations for the Malawi Queens, who will represent the nation, are also progressing steadily.

NAM confirmed that the Queens are currently in camp and undergoing intensive training sessions under the supervision of experienced coaches.

The Africa Netball Cup, which brings together the best national teams from across the continent, is expected to feature at least 11 countries.

Nations such as South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia have already confirmed participation, promising an exciting and competitive week of netball.

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2025 TNM Super League: Wanderers, Ekhaya FC match abandoned over torrential rainfall

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The highly anticipated TNM Super League clash between Mighty Wanderers and Ekhaya FC ended abruptly on Wednesday afternoon after heavy rains rendered the Kamuzu Stadium pitch unplayable.

The game, which had attracted few of passionate supporters from both sides, was called off in the 51st minute following a torrential downpour that flooded large parts of the pitch.

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At the time of abandonment, neither side had managed to break the deadlock with the scoreline standing at 0–0.

The match officials initially halted play temporarily to assess the situation, hoping the rain would subside.

However, after a prolonged delay and worsening pitch conditions, referee Honest Maulana was left with no choice but to officially stop the match.

Following the decision, officials from the Super League of Malawi (SULOM), the match commissioner and representatives from both teams held an emergency meeting to determine the next course of action.

The discussion reportedly centered on player safety, pitch condition and possible rescheduling options.

The match becomes the first fixture of the 2025 TNM Super League season to be abandoned due to weather-related issues.

Fans expressed disappointment but acknowledged that the safety of players and officials must come first.

As of Wednesday evening, SULOM had not yet released an official statement on when or how the match will be concluded.

The abandoned match has sparked debate among fans about the state of football infrastructure in Malawi with many calling for improved drainage systems at stadiums to avoid similar disruptions in the future.

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Malawi Paralympic Committee up with Before, After Sports initiative

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(Maravipost)-
The Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) has announced plans to introduce vocational training for para-athletes under the Before Sports, After Sports program.

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The initiative was unveiled last Friday at Malingunde School for the Blind in Lilongwe by the organization’s Treasurer, Joseph Galanje, during the commemoration of Paralympic Month.

Galanje explained that the initiative will help athletes earn a decent living after their sports careers end.

“We have launched the Before Sports and After Sports initiative because we want to see how best we can assist a person with disability before they become an active player or athlete.

“We are also looking at outcomes after they have been active for some time so that they don’t struggle. We will be providing vocational training so they can learn a trade,” Galanje said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sports Council Development Officer Fanny Phiri, who was the guest of honour, praised the organization’s leadership for introducing the initiative, which will have a positive impact on para-athletes.

“The initiative is a great idea. You are taking care of para-athletes at the grassroots level when they are very young, and also ensuring their welfare after sports. This is one way of encouraging boys and girls to take sports seriously, knowing they will be well taken care of.

“Let me also commend you for these celebrations where you are promoting inclusive sports. We will always support you,” Phiri stated.

The para-athletics celebrations featured sports activities involving both children with disabilities and able-bodied learners.

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Zimbabwe FA hires former Malawi’s Flames coach Marinica

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Airtel Malawi

…..Fast and furious football arrives in Zimbabwe

HARARE-(MaraviPost )-The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially appointed former Malawi National Football Team Technical Director and Head Coach, Marian (Mario) Marinica, famously known as Triple M, as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, The Warriors.

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The appointment, announced through a press release by ZIFA, confirms that Marinica has signed a one-year contract and will take charge with immediate effect.

The Romanian born tactician replaces interim arrangements made earlier this year and is expected to lead Zimbabwe into a new era of competitive football.

Marinica, a UEFA Pro Licensed Coach, brings with him over 25 years of international experience gained across Africa, Europe, Asia and South America.

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University (England) and a Diploma in Management, blending technical knowledge with strategic leadership.

Throughout his illustrious career, Marinica has worked with several top clubs including Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Inter Milan, AS Monaco, Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as national teams from Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi and Liberia.

His most recent notable achievement was guiding Malawi to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ,the country’s best ever finish. More recently, he helped Liberia achieve its highest FIFA ranking in June 2024, thanks to his strong emphasis on tactical discipline, youth development and modern football philosophy.

Speaking after the appointment, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi expressed confidence in Marinica’s expertise and leadership.

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy and proven success at international level make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors into a new era. His appointment reflects ZIFA’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure that delivers results both on and off the pitch,” he explained.

Marinica is expected to immediately start preparations for Zimbabwe’s upcoming friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar.

Known for his fast-paced, high-intensity tactical style famously dubbed “Fast and Furious Football” Marinica’s arrival has already sparked excitement among Zimbabwean fans, who hope he can replicate the success he brought to Malawi and beyond.

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Temwa Chawinga retains NWSL golden boot as Kansas City crowned champions

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Airtel Malawi

KANSAS CITY-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s sensational striker Temwa Chawinga has achieved another historic milestone after winning the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Golden Boot for the second year in a row in the United States.

The Scorchers forward, who plays for Kansas City Current, scored 15 goals in 23 matches to finish the 2025 season as the league’s top scorer.

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Her remarkable consistency and clinical finishing helped her side lift the NWSL Championship, completing a dream season for both Chawinga and her club.

In the 2024 campaign,Temwa had already made headlines by scoring 20 goals in 25 games, making her one of the most talked about players in American women’s football.

Her back-to-back Golden Boot triumph cements her reputation as one of the deadliest strikers in the world.

Kansas City, who had strengthened their squad at the start of the season, built their attacking play around Chawinga’s pace, strength and goal-scoring instincts.

Her partnership with midfielders Lo’eau LaBonta and Debinha was key to the club’s success, as the trio combined to produce some of the most exciting football in the league.

Head coach Vlatko Andonovski praised the Malawian star for her work ethic and leadership.

“Temwa is an exceptional player not just because she scores goals but because of how much she gives to the team.

“She’s humble, hardworking and always wants to improve. Her impact on and off the pitch has been incredible,” Andonovski said.

Chawinga’s journey from Mzimba, Malawi, to becoming one of the biggest names in American football has inspired many young athletes across Africa.

Before moving to the U.S., she made her mark in China and Sweden, where she played for Wuhan Jiangda and Kvarnsvedens IK, respectively.

Her success follows in the footsteps of her elder sister, Tabitha Chawinga, who also stars in Europe with Lyon in France making the Chawinga sisters one of the most successful football families on the continent.

With her second Golden Boot and a league title under her belt, Temwa Chawinga is already being tipped for more international honors including a possible nomination for global awards such as the FIFA Best Women’s Player and the CAF Women’s Player of the Year.

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