Associations reflect on 2022

Some sports associations have said the just-ended year had its ups and downs.

Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu described 2022 as historic year due to the exploits of the Flames following their qualification to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon.

But he also lamented the team’s continued struggle in Cosafa Cup and the failure to qualify for African Nations Championship.

He said: “We started the year with great optimism buoyed by the incredible performance of the Flames, who broke the record to qualify to the round of 16 at Afcon after locking horns with Senegal and daring the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

“It was also a historic year as the national beach soccer team qualified for the Afcon Beach Soccer in Mozambique for the first time.

“It was great to see football bouncing back strongly after a long spell due to the devastating effect Covid-19 pandemic. Having the fans back in the stadium watching football freely was exciting and fulfilling.”

Nyamilandu also said 2022 was a year of good fortunes having secured sponsorship from Standard Bank plc and HTD Limited for the third-tier and beach soccer leagues.

He said: “It was a year when the hype and glamour of football entertainment intensified, especially in Lilongwe with the resumption of football at Bingu National Stadium. All in all, it was a year full of excitement and hope for the future.”

However, the FAM president admitted that it was not all rosy as the Flames once again failed to make it past the group stages of the Cosafa Cup.

Malawi also failed to qualify for the African Nations Championship for the first time after being booted out at the last hurdle by Mozambique through the away goal rule.

“Again, despite the success on the field of play, it was tough behind the scenes due to financial hardships that are being experienced by the clubs. The plight of the clubs is worsening due to the high cost of living and lack of sponsorship,” he said.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe Defector Zimba said 2022 was a success as boxers did well.

“I would cite South Africa-based Ellen Simwaka who won all her three bouts, including two international title fights. There were also others such as Ruth Chisale and Hannock Phiri who also did well.

“But we also had challenges in some areas which we have to work on. As Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board we managed to send seven delegates to the African Boxing Union annual congress in Victoria Force Zimbabwe where our ring side officials Gift Pasanja and Thoko Mvula were attained A rating and there were others who attained B Rating.

“As a board we also attended World Boxing Council in Accapur, Mexico where we learnt a lot in terms of administering the sport as well as modern rules of professional boxing.”

Basketball Association of Malawi general secretary Peter Gomani said 2022 was a successful year having accomplished several goals.

“Our key achievements in the year just ended included launching of the national teams, completing the Mo 626 college Basketball and extending the contract by another three years

“Under-16 national teams also clinched medals during the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games. Some of our officials were also trained by Fiba instructors

“And then we hosted a Kenyan team which was also a plus. These and many other achievements sums up our year to be a successful one.”

On his part, Netball Association of Malawi vice-president Chimwemwe Bakali cited the successful hosting of the Cosana Tri-nations Tournament involving Malawi Queens, Zimbabwe and Namibia as a major highlight.

He also said the Queens’ qualification for the 2023 Netball World Cup and reclaiming the sixth position on world rankings was an achievement.

Said Bakali: “We had International umpires training in Lesotho and in the country the first week of December, 2022.

“The results of the training is that we now have level Africa B Umpires who can officiate games at the international level i.e. Under 23 and below as well as and level Africa C.”

He also said securing national league sponsorship from Salima Sugar Company was another feat.

On challenges, Bakali cited negative publicity, saying it cost prospective sponsort.

“We struggled financially, which led to the Queens’ failure to take part in the Diamond Challenge and proper talent identification exercise.

“Another challenge was non-existence of a national and regional leagues which has seen us still depending on players that are aging, but also failing to achieve proper transition.”