Adelaide credits NBM sponsorship for rising standards in Malawi women’s football

Women’s football in Malawi is on the up — and National Women FA president Adelaide Migogo says National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s cash injection deserves the credit.

Migogo delivered the praise on Saturday at the launch of season two of the NBM Women’s Premiership League, held at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre, declaring that NBM’s beefed-up financial backing has transformed the competitive landscape of the game.

According to Migogo, the increased funding has sparked fierce competition among players, all battling it out for a coveted spot in the national team ahead of a huge World Cup push.

“We are happy that National Bank has started this season pumping in money. The competition from the matches is stiff, as everyone is keen to be part of the Scorchers squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup. We are watching improved games which also gives confidence to the sponsors,” she said.

NBM plc Chief Risk Officer Charles Ulaya echoed the sentiment, saying the quality on display in the opening matches had thoroughly won the bank over — and pledged NBM’s continued backing for the sport’s growth.

“This is quality football; the players were playing tactically and strategically. The sponsorship has contributed to changing perceptions about women’s football and strengthening the development of the game,” Ulaya said.

Champions and Bullets start with a bang

The launch was swiftly followed by action on the pitch, with both defending champions Silver Strikers Ladies and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women kicking off their title bids in winning fashion.

Silver Strikers staged a stunning comeback to see off Kukoma Ntopwa Queens 3-1, with Ireen Khumalo, Madyina Ngulube and Yamikani Mhango all finding the net. Khumalo was crowned Player of the Match for her efforts.

Meanwhile, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women made light work of Chitoliro Heroines, cruising to a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Mary Chavinda, Tadala James and Fauzah Muhammad. Bernadetta Mkandawire picked up the Player of the Match honours.

Bullets coach Maggie Chombo said the win was no accident, crediting her side’s sheer determination and sharp preparation. “We agreed during training that this is the best game. Let us try to win it at all costs,” she said.

Over at Silver Strikers, coach Shadreck Chikhosi made no secret of his side’s ambitions to defend their crown. “We are the champions; we need to retain the pace we have. That is why we will keep on winning,” he declared.

Sponsorship soars to K400 million

Underlining Migogo’s point, NBM plc has dramatically hiked its sponsorship package for the league — jumping from K280 million last season to a whopping K400 million this time round, cementing the bank’s status as one of the biggest backers of women’s football in the country, and giving real weight to Migogo’s claim that the investment is driving standards up across the board.