Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced that preparations for the inaugural NBS Bank National Division League are nearing culmination, with the kick-off date firmly established.
In alignment with its strategic ambition to elevate the sport, the Association last year, in July, secured a transformative three-year sponsorship agreement with NBS Bank, valued at an impressive MK1 Billion. The partnership underscores the bank’s commitment to fostering the game’s growth at a national scale.
The National Division League, conceptualized as a pivotal component of the football pyramid, will supplant the regional leagues as the nation’s second-tier competition, reflecting FAM’s commitment to structural reform and strategic advancement.
Speaking at a media briefing in Blantyre on Friday, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya articulated that the league is set to commence this month on the 24th in Mchinji, featuring a high-stakes fixture between Mchinji Villa FC and Mitundu Baptist.
Haiya emphasized that the MK1 Billion sponsorship, allocated over three seasons, remains dynamic and may be subject to enhancement, affirming that NBS Bank is poised to amplify its financial commitment as the league matures.
“As the Football Association of Malawi, we are unequivocally in a transformative phase. This paradigm shift is essential to achieving a sustainable National Team capable of excelling in continental and global competitions. To actualize this vision, we recognized the imperative of reimagining our football administration and governance.
“One strategic intervention was the establishment of a national-level tier to bolster the competitiveness of our flagship league, the TNM Super League. We extend our profound gratitude to NBS Bank for materializing this ambitious vision. The rapid securing of sponsorship within the league’s formative year is unprecedented.
“While the initial contract value stands at MK1 Billion, we anticipate a potential increment, contingent upon the realization of sponsorship value. NBS Bank has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing Malawian football, and we are optimistic about sustained collaboration,” Haiya asserted.
He further revealed that the comprehensive preparatory phase, encompassing club licensing protocols, has concluded successfully, with all 12 participating teams meeting the requisite standards for league participation.
FAM has ratified an MK15 million annual subvention per club for teams participating in the NBS Bank National Division League. This resolution was formalized during FAM’s second Executive Committee meeting of the year, convened on 4th May 2025 at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.
Haiya assured stakeholders of meticulous and professional league management, reinforced by robust administrative frameworks designed to optimize operational efficiency.
“Professional club management is integral to delivering value to stakeholders and fostering financial viability. Historically, financial independence has been a recurrent challenge for Malawian clubs, but with structured governance, we can chart a sustainable path forward,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, clubs have been equipped with comprehensive training on the Competition Management System to mitigate player registration anomalies, including unauthorized team switching.
NBS Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Shadreck Chikusilo, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the synergy between NBS Bank’s vision and FAM’s transformative agenda.
“Our legacy of football involvement, particularly through the Charity Shield, positioned us to embrace this opportunity. The strategic framework presented by FAM was compelling, reflecting a forward-thinking ethos that we are proud to support. We are confident that this initiative will catalyze qualitative improvements in the sport, ultimately enhancing the National Team’s performance. Moreover, this collaboration will extend our brand’s footprint across the nation,” he remarked.
FAM Competitions Manager, Gomezgani Zakazaka, indicated that efforts are underway to synchronize the national football calendar with the FIFA Calendar, with the league projected to conclude in February of the following year.
The league will feature a competitive roster of 12 teams, with the top three earning promotion to the elite league annually, while four will face relegation to the regional divisions. The relegated trio from the Super League will be incorporated into the NDL, supplemented by one representative from each Regional League annually.
Following the league’s inauguration on May 24, five fixtures are slated for the subsequent day: FOMO FC will host Chintheche United at Mulanje Park, Ntaja United will clash with Chilumba Barracks at Balaka Stadium, Baka City will contend with Red Lions at Karonga Stadium, Namitete Zitha will engage Ndirande Stars, and Bangwe All Stars will challenge Jenda United at Mpira Stadium.
