Football legends back sports writers with K2m ahead of AGM

Football Legends Association board members have dipped into their own pockets to hand the Sports Writers Association of Malawi a generous K2 million donation, as the body races to prepare for its upcoming Annual General Meeting in Salima this November.

The gathering, scheduled to run from 13 to 15 November 2026, will bring SWAM members together from across the country to reflect on the association’s contribution to sports development in Malawi, while tackling pressing issues facing the sports journalism profession.

Speaking after presenting the donation at the FLA offices at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Board Member Noel Lipipa revealed the touching personal sacrifice behind the gesture, insisting the cherished bond between football legends and sports journalists made the decision an easy one.

“We value the bond that exists between FLA and sports writers; and we are pleased to support SWAM as it brings its members together for this important meeting,” Lipipa said.

In a remarkable admission, Lipipa revealed the board had deliberately avoided dipping into funds collected on behalf of Malawi’s football legends themselves — instead choosing to contribute from their own pockets to reach the final figure.

“Much as FLA needs funds itself, we felt we couldn’t tap from the resources that we are collecting for the legends and so decided to contribute as board members and that’s how we have realised this amount,” he explained.

“This is a personal commitment from the board members because all our issues in FLA are known to the public through what sports journalists write.”

Receiving the donation on behalf of SWAM, Vice President Lucy Kadzongwe expressed heartfelt gratitude, revealing it was far from the first time FLA had stepped up to support the work of sports writers.

Kadzongwe used the opportunity to issue a passionate appeal to other well-wishers and stakeholders to follow FLA’s lead, stressing that the AGM plays a vital role in strengthening the association and sharpening the skills of sports journalists across the country.

SWAM says the AGM will provide a crucial opportunity for members to take stock of the association’s progress, confront the challenges facing sports journalism head-on, and chart a clear path forward for the organisation.