The 9 Malawi Rifles (9 MR) of Changalume Barracks in Zomba have reclaimed the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Best Drill Team title after emerging victorious in the 2026 MDF Drill Competition, held at the Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO) in Salima.
The Changalume-based unit outperformed six other teams to win the championship and take home K8 million in prize money. 11 Malawi Rifles, based at Chilumba Barracks in Karonga, finished as runners-up and received K6 million, while the Malawi Navy secured third place, earning K4 million.
The Armour Battalion finished fourth, followed by the Electrical Mechanical and Engineering (EME) unit from Lilongwe in fifth place, while Zomba Air Base came sixth.
Speaking during the prize presentation ceremony, Army Commander Major General Lackson Phiri, representing the Malawi Defence Force Commander, congratulated 9 Malawi Rifles on their outstanding performance, describing the victory as a benchmark of excellence within the MDF.
Major General Phiri said the competition provides an important platform for sharpening military skills, promoting professionalism and raising operational standards across the Defence Force.
Receiving the award on behalf of the winning team, 9 Malawi Rifles Guard Commander Major Jimmy Jeseman attributed the victory to three months of intensive preparation and teamwork.
“We prepared thoroughly for this competition, and our hard work has paid off. We are also grateful to the sponsors for increasing the prize money, which will motivate soldiers to work even harder in future competitions,” he said.
In the individual categories, Captain Cosmas Phiri of 9 Malawi Rifles received K500,000 as Best Guard Commander, Second Lieutenant Collins Phiri of the Armour Battalion won K300,000 as Best Sabetan Commander, while Warrant Officer Austin Mhalu of the EME unit was awarded K250,000 as Best Company Sergeant Major.
By Vincent Maseya
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