Presidential Cup registration extended

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has extended registration period for participating teams in the forthcoming Presidential Initiative on Sports (PIS) Football Cup by at least week.

FAM competitions manager Gomezgani Zakazaka told The Nation yesterday that the registration deadline at district level has been moved from February 28 to March 5.

“There were requests from a number of districts that the initial one-week period could not be enough to finalise registration as they had not yet reorganised their structures since the annual competition is resurfacing after a two-year break,” Zakazaka said.

He added that the development has as well prompted the local football governing body to extend the kick-off date from March 5 to March 12.

Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) vice-general secretary Kingsley Simbeye, whose entity is handling team registration for districts in the fold, described FAM’s decision as beneficial.

“Many teams complained through us that they were not given enough time to prepare for the competition. FAM’s decision to extend registration period and delay kickoff dates will help the teams have ample time for preparations,” Simbeye said.

The contest is open to all teams at district level at K10 000 registration fee.

District champions are expected to join top four regional leagues that will qualify for national finals draw alongside TNM Super League teams.

Mafco are national champions. They won in 2013, the last time the competition was held, after beating Silver Strikers 9-8 on post-match penalties.

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers were the inaugural champions in 2009 while Nyasa Big Bullets, Civo United and Mafco triumphed in subsequent competitions.