Zomba-based Malawi Defence Force (MDF)-sponsored team, Red Lions, has intensified preparations for the inaugural NBS National Division League set to kick off on 24 May 2025.
Head coach for the club, Malumbo Mkandawire, says the team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations as they have lined up a number of friendly games against various teams across the country with the aim of identifying new talent and strengthening the team.
“We have played a number of friendlies and so far, we have already identified a couple of players we think will boost the team. We also still have players with Super League experience like Deus Nkutu,” said Mkandawire.
However, Mkandawire expressed frustration with the delay in the opening of Zomba Stadium, which he argues could have given them maximum home ground advantage and local support from their fans.
“The delay will obviously affect us as we will lack the 12th player who are our supporters. Worse still, playing home games in Balaka feels like playing away games, and this will also affect us,” lamented Mkandawire.
However, Mkandawire is still confident of winning the inaugural league, which offers a pathway to promotion to the elite Super League.
“Our target is to return to the Super League of Malawi. We tried to do that last season but failed, but this season, we will accomplish it,” he said.
Twelve teams will participate in the inaugural National Division League with nine teams drawn from all regions of Malawi and three which have just been relagated from the Super League.
Southern Region Thumbs Up League, Central Region Chipiku Stores League, and Northern Region Simso League have contributed three teams each and three relegated teams from the Super League.
Villa FC, Namitete Zitha FC, and Mitundu Baptist represent the Central region while Jenda United, Chirumba Barracks, and Chintheche have been drafted from the Northern Region.
Red Lions, Ntaja United, and Ndirande All Stars represent the Southern Region while Baka City, Ntopwa FC, and Fomo were relegated from the Super League.
