By Vinjeru Ngwira
Women’s Football Association of Malawi Vice President Tsalakunja Chimanga has commended the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) leadership under Fleetwood Haiya for making women’s football one of its key priorities in the country’s football development agenda.
Speaking during the Northern Region Women’s Football League prize presentation ceremony held on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at Luwinga Inclusive Academy, Chimanga said the increased participation of Malawi’s women’s national teams in international competitions demonstrates the positive impact of FAM’s “Transforming the Game” agenda.
She further appealed to the corporate sector and other stakeholders to invest in women’s football in the Northern Region, observing that limited sponsorship remains one of the major obstacles affecting the competitiveness of regional clubs at national level.
The Northern Region Women’s Football Committee organised the 2025/2026 FAM Northern Region Women’s Football League prize presentation ceremony to celebrate the successful conclusion of a highly competitive season.
Hosts Luwinga Inclusive Academy were crowned champions of the 2025/2026 campaign following an outstanding performance throughout the season. Rumphi Sisters finished as runners-up, while Mzuzu City Hammers Queens secured third position. Ekwendeni Sisters completed the top four after an impressive campaign.
During the ceremony, Luwinga Inclusive Academy Manager Joseph Malizani announced that despite winning the regional title, the academy will not participate in the National Bank Women’s Championship. He explained that Luwinga remains a developmental institution focused on nurturing young talent, a decision that gives runners-up Rumphi Sisters the opportunity to represent the Northern Region at national level.
Northern Region Women’s Football Committee Chairperson Ivy Mwafulirwa also hailed the current FAM administration for improving women’s football at regional level. She noted that unlike previous seasons, which were largely dominated by teams from Mzuzu, the emergence of clubs from districts such as Rumphi reflects the growing interest and progress of the women’s game across the region.
Meanwhile, Matandalo Gondwe said Rumphi Sisters are determined to make a strong impact at the National Bank Women’s Championship, stressing that the team aims to compete for honours rather than merely participating.
In the individual awards category, Rejoice Silungwe emerged as the league’s top goalscorer, Lincy Chawinga won the Best Goalkeeper award, Llyness Chisale was named Player of the Tournament, while Matandalo Gondwe received the Best Coach accolade.
