Rumphi DC hails NBM plc for U-23 Championship

Rumphi District Council has praised National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc for supporting the development of young footballers through the second season of the NBM Under-23 Championship launch at Rumphi Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking after the launch event, Rumphi District Commissioner (DC) Thomas Chigwenembe, who was the guest of honour, said the championship would give young footballers in local communities, including Rumphi, an opportunity to showcase their talent and develop their skills.

“Many young people in the villages are happy and eager to participate in the competition because they have seen its importance. Therefore, we thank NBM plc for this initiative, as it will support existing efforts to develop sports under the Community Development Fund (CDF) reform,” said Chigwenembe.

Mkombezi Tough Challengers (in white) battles for possession against Young Challengers Reserve

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Second Vice President Lameck Khonje said the opportunity created by NBM plc has offered hope for the future of the national team.

“There is a great development among both players and officials, and we are able to identify talent at that age. If we continue nurturing this talent, we will be able to export it, and Malawi will be somewhere else,” said Khonje.

Khonje also assured stakeholders of the competition, saying that communities were fully involved and that this would help prevent acts of violence.

NBM plc Chief Risk Operations Officer Charles Ulaya said the ‘Bank of the Nation’ was leveraging football to advance its commitment to sports development which is gaining attraction.

“Our support will help young people participate in the games and stand a chance of winning prizes. The games will also give them exposure, as many people come to watch and take part,” said Ulaya.

The launch featured an opening match in which Mkombezi Tough Challengers Reserve beat Young Challengers Reserve 5-0.

For the 2026/27 season, NBM Championship was allocated K600 million from the bank’s K2.3 billion sports sponsorship package.