Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has changed its footballing schedule to align itself with international footballing bodies.
The season shall kick off on March 29 with a Charity Shield match between Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers, followed by the TNM Super League Kick-off on 5 April.
Airtel Top 8 will start on April 12, a tournament that was usually hosted after the conclusion of the Super League.
FAM Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the calendar cycle transitions from March – December to August – May.
“We have now embarked on the calendar switch to align with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as well as most international Leagues. The 2025/ 2026 season will end in February 2026, and our goal is to fully align with CAF’s calendar by the start of the 2027/ 2028 season,” Zakazaka said.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ Chief Administrative Officer, Albert Chigoga, welcomed the new league format, as it will give them ample time for planning.
“Looking at the calendar, it is a long one which is going to be a very long run,” Chigoga said.
Blue Eagles’ Chief Executive Officer, Muhammad Ali, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the extended schedule will benefit newly promoted teams.
“Although we finished the Chipiku league later than the rest of the new teams in the 2025 TNM Super League, the calendar has provided enough time for our team to get organised and plan for all competitions in which we will take part,” Ali said.
Sports analyst Dan Chemis praised the schedule, highlighting the benefits of adequate rest periods for national team players.
“I am not surprised that the league will be starting this early because the organisers want each team to play at least a game per week, this is critical in planning,” Chemis said.
Another analyst, Kim Kamau, commended FAM’s planning but raised concern over the poor condition of some pitches during the rainy season.
“I am hoping that FAM engaged ground owners to make sure they have everything ready to avoid postponement of matches. During the rainy season, it is when most players are also injured. It is only Bingu National Stadium, Mpira Stadium and Kamuzu Stadium that cannot be affected,” Kamau said.
Last season, the league ran from March to December.
