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FAM Sleeping: Scorchers and Flames’ Jersey Marketing Mess

Scorchers celebrating with FAM President (Middle) after scorching Ghana to reach the WAFCON Semis & Qualify for World Cup. Credits: FAM

A country filled with blackouts had its own poor and unpredictable men’s national team, the Flames, to complete the country’s perfect equation of suffering. Surprisingly, during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cameroon in 2022, the Malawian boys filled with fire chose to abandon the country’s woes and warm the hearts of their Phoenix family back home. As the team went further than many expected, a problem of having enough jerseys for fans emerged. Years later, the Malawi women’s football team, the Scorchers created an even bigger opportunity for FAM, yet the jersey problem would return.

When the 2021 AFCON tournament commenced, the country was dealing with blackouts, and the frustration worsened when the team reached the knockout stages. The day of the round-of-16 match against Morocco; the country had been recovering from a long nationwide blackout. Questions were raised about whether the electricity company (ESCOM) and government even cared about the country’s football, especially since this was the first time the Flames had reached the knockout stage. For the love of the game and the national team, people filled local halls with power generators to watch the boys play the Moroccans.

Flames after qualifying for the R16 in AFCON 2021. Credits: pindula.zw

Prior to the Morocco game, people bemoaned the lack of football jerseys. An enquiry about the availability of jerseys in the United Kingdom was made through the Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) marketing and communications personnel via WhatsApp. The unfortunate part came in no time, and we missed the opportunity to have our boys celebrated by many. With a friend, I again tried to reach Adidas, hoping they had old kits despite the end of their partnership, but it was a dead end as well. Friends from the UK also missed out on the kits.

As cursed as it may sound, jerseys were unavailable even in Malawi when the demand was at its peak. Some marketers unofficially questioned FAM’s marketing team about the lack of timing. Later, FAM explained that production of the new kits and replicas had been commissioned in China and Vietnam but production and shipping delays, and Covid-19 related overseas shipping backlogs affected their arrival. Whatever the cause, the timing meant that fans were denied an opportunity to identify themselves with a team that was exceeding expectations while FAM also lost a revenue opportunity.

Gabadinho Mhango celebrates with teammates after downing Zimbabwe at 2021 AFCON 

We may joke that the lack of jerseys lowered the boys’ morale and led to the loss against the Moroccans. The boys left after the narrow defeat, but we felt they had done more. They had created excitement around the country of fire flames, and that excitement should have been matched by proper merchandise planning. The disappointment therefore remains with FAM’s failure to have enough replicas available when demand was high.

In a similar fashion, after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations commenced in Morocco. It was the first time for Malawi’s women’s team, the Scorchers to qualify. As a team that had missed previous editions due to funding and poor structures, expectations were not high especially after some difficult friendly results before the tournament. National television broadcaster, MBC did not beam the games until the tournament final games.  The broadcasting situation also meant that many Malawians could not easily watch the matches, with SuperSport holding the rights to the tournament.

The team, however, started on fire as it defeated tournament heavyweight Nigeria 3–2 before a narrow 2–1 loss to Zambia. The Scorchers then beat Egypt 3–1 to progress to the knockout stage, and then beat Ghana and Algeria in the quarter and semi-finals before losing three nil in the final against Cameroon to secure the silver medal. This was after securing a World Cup place for reaching the semi-final.

Living the dream: Scorchers beats Algeria to reach the WAFCON final. Credits: FAM 

As it was with the men’s impressive 2021 AFCON campaign, the issue of jerseys became the talk of fans and other admirers of the team. The Scorchers gained more attention across the globe. International football commentators, online creators and supporters followed the team’s historic run. Yet the jerseys were not available in sufficient quantities when the women were at the peak of their powers on the African continent.

Fans wanted the Chawinga sisters’ jerseys, those of Kadzere, Chimzimu, Mkandawire and other players, as well as jerseys that could simply carry their own names or the uncostomised ones to show their sense of an imagined moto-moto (fire-fire/hot-hot) community. The demand was real. FAM’s marketing manager later acknowledged that the Scorchers replicas had sold out shortly after the victory over “the great” Nigeria. That should have been the clearest signal that the demand was not going away. Instead, supporters were left asking where they could get the jerseys and when more would be available. It suggested that the lessons from the 2021 AFCON had not been fully absorbed.

The problem was therefore not that Malawians were unwilling to buy the product. The problem was that the product was not consistently available when the team was at the peak of its powers, with fans’ excitement at an all-time high. When a national team reaches a historic tournament final, beats one of Africa’s heavyweights and attracts new supporters, it is sure that merchandise should be part of the plan rather than an afterthought.

Screenshot: Some fans' reaction to the announced jersey fee on FAM FB Page. In Chewa, one fan complains that's more than their school fees

Now, after the WAFCON, the issue of jerseys has still not been fully resolved. FAM has announced that the Scorchers’ limited-edition jerseys will be available at Bingu National Stadium on matchday as the Scorchers play Zimbabwe in the first leg of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers. The authentic replica jersey is priced at K100,000. That is not an “as high as” price, it is the stated price for the jersey. For comparison, standard tickets for the same match are K4,000 when bought online and K5,000 at the gate. The jersey therefore costs twenty to twenty-five times the price of an ordinary match ticket.

The price raises another marketing question: who exactly is the product intended for? A limited-edition jersey can be a premium product, but national-team merchandise also depends on ordinary supporters being able to participate in the team’s identity. The advert also does not clearly explain different supporter and player versions which leaves questions about the range of products available to fans.

What is particularly frustrating is that this is not the first time FAM has faced this problem. After the Flames’ successful 2021 AFCON campaign, official replicas also ran out of stock, while counterfeit jerseys appeared on the market. We certainly do not want the 2024 déjà vu of police arresting traders over counterfeit national team jerseys. When supporters want a product and the official market cannot provide it at an accessible price, someone else will try to meet that demand.

Spotted: Many fans without jerseys, only a few makeup in for the jerseys when Flames beat Sudan on 25/09/26 at Bingu National Stadium. Credits: FAM

We need those jerseys! Perhaps the bigger lesson for FAM should have been to make the official product available, affordable and easy to access. The demand is already there. It comes from the fans whom FAM claims to represent. The Flames and Scorchers have repeatedly created moments that bring Malawians together. Their performances create attention, pride and demand. FAM should be asking how that attention can be turned into stronger national-team branding and sustainable merchandise sales. The jerseys are not simply pieces of cloth to be released when there is a match. They are part of the identity of the team, and they belong in the hands of the supporters who keep the teams alive.

If the problem is with the people responsible for marketing and procurement, perhaps they need refresher courses. Or, if the problem is deeper than training, perhaps FAM needs to make decisive changes. What Malawians should not have to do is celebrate historic performances while struggling to buy the shirt of the team they are celebrating.

This is just a fiery fan who loves the Flames and Scorchers, and wants to see the Flames ablaze and the Scorchers keep it burning. When the fire is this high, FAM should not be sleeping...

The Dream: Scorchers taking on Africa before facing the World. Credits: FAM

 

BOYCOTTING THE BROKEN: WHEN MALAWIAN CHURCHES FORGET THE GOSPEL

Great scholars and philosophers in history often challenged societal norms. Today, our social systems operate in consideration of such sideways thinking, but with little change. It took only a few noble people to rise up and challenge the norms that were legal but inhumane. Who decides what is legal and what is not? Even though we question other systems, we can at least agree that we are able to read and write because of changes influenced by those unsung heroes.

In the Saabali (Patience) song, Damian Marley and Nas ask whether we are growing wiser or just growing taller. They ask this while acknowledging that we are born without the knowledge we possess, which society later fashions into us as we grow older. As important as this question is—we should try to understand how the song relates to our communities. It talks about colonialists, the self-appeasing lifestyle of politicians, and the cruelty done by some journalists and religious leaders.

In my early years as a young citizen of a civilised Malawi, I noticed a trend where some communities often boycott funerals and weddings. The most vocal community being Christians (Old Traditional churches) followed by traditional chiefs. Let me ignore the traditional chiefs for a moment—my focus is on Christian community, especially their designated leaders. Growing up in a Christian family, I was often pushed hard to attend Sunday schools and church. Later, Christianity and religion in general, were never my favourite cup of tea. I only denounced religion in private, but kept going to church—I was too young to make independent decisions under Malawian laws and family expectations. Of course, I rejoined it later, but that is reserved for another day.

A preacher's affirmation of only preaching to the sinless | Credits: @RufaroAfrika

As a young member of the church, I went through different lessons about love, Ten Commandments and creation — concluding with Jesus Christ Himself. I never had the courage to question decisions by churches when I heard they had refused to conduct funeral services. I was always shocked when I heard of such decisions. Maybe I often got shocked because Christ said children are innocent in the eyes of God—that innocence triggered such reactions. Further enhancing my logic, I later understood that Christian groups often rely more on their own constitutions than on the Bible. Some use the Bible only when they want to be heard through a single verse, which may often give a different meaning to their claims when the whole chapter is read out.

Some churches have the tendency of collecting tithes from congregants like loan sharks, and congregants happily pay—yet they go on to ignore God’s commands. They neglect the love for God and justice like how Jesus Christ criticises them as quoted in Matthew chapter 23. Congregants may be struggling financially, but they are pushed to pay. Some happily pay, then commute back to violate God’s commandments. Congregants who fall behind on tithe payments risk having their funeral or a child’s being boycotted by the church. I often wonder, is this the love Christ asked people to preach around the world before He departed for heaven?

How will they spread the gospel if they cannot preach God’s word to the broken-hearted? Christ never despised people’s situations; He saved a woman who was on the verge of being stoned to death by people in accordance to the Mosaic laws as recorded in John 8:2-11. The woman who was caught in adultery deserved death for the sin, but Christ asked the mob to stone the woman if they were holy—none of them could withstand such scrutiny. This relates well to the behavioural patterns of the religious groups, who act all mighty and holy simply because they have not been caught. They boycott funerals which is one of the very important places where the gospel of Christ should be proclaimed.

A modern depiction of Christ's stance on love | Credits: Random Facebook Theology Communities

I recall the story of the good Samaritan which Christ used to teach about loving a neighbour as oneself (Ref. Luke 10:25-33). A quick reflection; a man was beaten by robbers, stripped of his clothes, and left half dead. A priest who was passing by, neglected him. A Levite did not care about him either. The man’s safety was guaranteed later when a Samaritan took pity on him by taking him to an inn and treating his wounds. This was Christ’s response to an expert of the law who was not sure of who his neighbour was. As you can note in the parable, people who were deemed religious failed to help a person in need. Unfortunately, this is how religious communities operate nowadays as well. They ignore people in need of Christ’s gospel for the sake of their church’s image, disregarding the assigned purpose like the two religious men.

Similarly; there was a rich man who ignored a beggar (Lazarus) until they both died. After dying, the beggar was comforted while the rich man faced torment. He asked Abraham for the chance to have Lazarus resurrected, and let him tell his siblings to repent. His request was denied; Abraham cited other living preachers as the responsible individuals for that—else they were going to perish like him for not listening (Ref. Luke 16:19-31). In this parable Christ was enlightening those with bad intentions that God is not about money or poverty, but how we treat people and respond to Him.

God is not pleased with religious people who mistreat people in need of His message. It may be the deceased’s family, friends, community members or others within the church setup. In this parable it is clear that those who are dead have no effect of this life, unlike the living. In Christian settings, where will people get the courage to spread Christ’s gospel if the senior teachers are not filling this gap? Judgement is God’s no matter how we view the sinful nature of others. It happened with the woman caught in adultery and one of the criminals nailed to the cross beside Him. He also forgave a woman who was merely branded sinful, who wet his feet with tears, dried them with hair before pouring expensive perfume on them. He alone has authority of condemning and washing away the sins. No preacher should undermine God’s command to show love—to proclaim His kingdom and show compassion to one another.

As people who follow, and have knowledge of Christ’s teachings; Why have literate congregants not condemned this false portrayal of God’s ministry? Christ Himself condemned Pharisees, Levites, the rich and others for lives of false pretence. Perhaps you agree with atheists that religion is just a business, and they simply lacked the opportunity to revise the Bible for commercial gains?

I will go back to Sabali by Damian Marley and Nas; some lines in the first verse criticise evangelists who instead of helping, use visuals of suffering children to earn more through donations etc.

Evangelists making a living on the videos
Of ribs of the little kids
Stereotyping the image of the images
And this is what the image is

As I go, I should leave you with a question for your mind; Are you ready to confront these bad acts of those in authority of the church? If not, then you may be in the same class as the priest and Levite who ignored the traveller—worse, the robbers who initially inflicted pain on the traveller. Yes, if you smile when evangelism’s mandate is not being fulfilled, you are in the same boat with the angry mob that wanted an adulterous woman stoned to death.

We are born without knowledge until society feeds us various data. Reading and listening are the skills that have proved to be vital in day-to-day lives. Do we learn from reading and listening? Have we managed to use logic on things affecting our lives? If funerals are for the living, why do some evangelists show bitterness towards the dead?

Ecclesiastes 12:7 NIV

[7] and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

“It does not matter how you are buried. What matters most is your relationship with God.” – Anonymous pastor said.

"Love the Lord, your God with everything you have,

            but

Examine the churches!" - I said it

 

 

THE DARK JUSTICE —WHEN GOVERNING SYSTEMS OPPRESS THE POOR (GOO-GOO)

Years ago, when I was pursuing my journalism academic certificate, I crossed paths with a fisherman in Mangochi. He narrated how inhumanely the laws were being enforced by patrolling teams designated to patrol around Lake Malawi National Park. The fisherman stressed that cases involving residents surrounding the lake were mostly dead upon arrival in courts; as such, they proceeded to pay fines just to be free. This was before the two parties had mediators, and as we talked, he also explained that they reached a common goal later. Women were told to pay one thousand Kwacha (K1,000.00) if they had to pick dead wood, and fishermen were enlightened on where to fish and what species they were restricted from catching. This sounded like a big deal then, as the park authority understood the needs and literacy levels of its neighbours. Aside from other things that may have occurred, the consensus showed progress and care. A decade later, there have also been others at loggerheads with governing bodies, but at a trading site this time. Instead of enlightening people, they first came with a notice to let them away from the place. Some scholars argue that ignorance of the law is no excuse; they forget that infants commit many mistakes due to a lack of knowledge, and we say they should be forgiven because they are still learning. By the same token, we should understand that Malawi has high illiteracy levels, and only a few can boast of advancing their education. Of course some laws are common, but some are ambiguous and hard for a common citizen. How many people is the country going to convict in the name of “Ignorance of the law is not an excuse?” The whole country struggles with this — things that should be condemned are still happening; some even shield corruption and other wrongdoing with supposed legal knowledge. We should always bear in mind that learning never stops.

The Pillars of unchecked Malawi | Credits: Rufaro Afrika

“Anawauza ndi amakani saamamva. Anapatsidwa chenjezo kangapo koma kusamva.” As people struggle with the economy here in Malawi, some politicians alongside their counterparts, thought it wise to enforce the laws on poor Malawians. Small-scale traders have recently been warned to move from places that serve as hubs for business in the name of safety and the guidelines of central government’s administrating bodies. In light of recent events, I woke up to news that Goo-goo market — which, per the law, is deemed illegal, had been demolished. The government’s security forces did not spare anything or anyone; even livestock met their fate, leaving wrecked steel roofing and cabbages strewn on the spot.

Poor native's small scale business destroyed in a night | Credits: Rufaro Afrika

Years have passed since the issue came to light, and poor citizens thought the matter had been buried — perhaps the relevant bodies and owners of such places had reached an agreement. Business operators kept on trading, and even the ‘haves’ often left their gated communities to shop here due to the availability of fresh agricultural produce. Rumours have it that the governing body responsible for city where Goo-goo is located grew frustrated since they gained nothing from the market.

“Goal, goal!” As the name sounds, a few selfish individuals never scored at all. The frustration mounted: “They are operating illegally and we are gaining nothing from it? Let the guidelines our former colonial masters left us be used.” Oh, before I go further — it is becoming an undeniable fact that in the land of the fresh waters, individuals love power and use it to frustrate others. I will not go too deep, but we saw it from the country’s first leader after Western colonialism: he enjoyed three decades of a privileged lifestyle while using a whip to discipline the very same people he had once stood beside to fight the oppressor. Then came another, who feasted as well, and then another. The cycle is never-ending; their juniors operate in the same fashion. Perhaps the coloniser was right to fear that if given power, the native land owners would take each other’s lives. Today, when we see the law enforced, it is mostly against the poor and sometimes against political rivals. These legal injustices may well be proven by arbitrators and judicial officers to be full of substance. Right in books and concepts developed by a few, to keep their interests align or just control so they enjoy alone at the top.

Cartoon of  exposed Indians who sold fake medicine in a deal with corrupt Malawian officials | Credits: Rufaro Afrika

Goo-goo — they did not score. We both lost, and the powerful won: that is the message portrayed today. Someone confidently said they were warned and did not comply. Let me ask you a question: how many times have you been warned about flouting other guidelines? We see minibuses exceeding capacity, then using ‘general receipts’ to avoid further sanctions while committing the same offences. Even politicians spend years answering cases of corruption and other misconduct against the nation. Some continue to enjoy life outside bars, with court orders as shields against jail for years. The part of the governing body that ought to be conversant with the economy and relevant laws never thought it wise to engage differently, hence they instead chose to use brutal means in their quest to enforce the rules.

A Rastaman arrested for cannabis, a politician roaming freely after stealing public funds — calling friends to root it | Credits: Rufaro Afrika

Quoting part of Marvel’s The Punisher: “There are people who bend the laws, make the rules work in their favour. They may be fooling some, but they are not fooling me.” The Punisher is a vigilante character whose family was murdered in cold blood; the judicial system then convicted him when he tried to seek revenge. The very same law enforcers who hunted him never went after those who killed his family. This parallel is apt, the law applies only to the poor not to the rich or corrupt individuals who are already exposed by various media outlets. Goo-goo! They scored; the poor are being pushed out. Perhaps this tragedy will give rise to new forms of resistance. They have started something by taking away livelihoods. Aside from issuing summons, did the authorities lack other means to relocate the traders without demolishing their goods? Where was the idea of using the military merely to scare them away from the area before destroying their property at midnight? Dark justice works swiftly against the poor, but for politicians it is barely a headline of concern. The poor like the rich, also want business spaces where they can trade their farm produce — not just any space, but busy locations where trade can truly thrive.

Satire of how Laws are bend in Malawi in favour of the corrupt rich| Credits Rufaro Afrika

Pan-Africanists like to cite the slave trade, slavery, apartheid and other forms of abuse as practices that were once legally binding but were never morally right per human standards. By the same token, forcing people out of trading spaces deemed illegal, and using force to destroy what they trade — may be legally binding, but it is not right. Indeed, human beings are supposed to be exemplary and ought to conduct themselves in an organised manner. Humans are not bulls seeking to destroy everything in a fit of rage. We do not need to act harshly towards one another, and what has just happened, the destruction — this dark justice against the poor — needs to be condemned at all costs.

Rumours which suggest that livestock were killed during the operation are very disturbing. As noted, no knives were used per norm of dressing chicken which is alone a violation to the country's social constructs. The destruction of other properties caused that harm; creatures meant for trade died instead of being sold as intended. This also paved way for thieves who, after the destruction went to steal some few products that seemed to have survived the tragedy. Who will hold them accountable? As one can note, not all laws are just — some carry the very same elements of oppression, merely concealed behind a mask of legality.

The power of those in the ruling social class is felt very differently by the lower class. It has long been a norm that those in authority get away with almost everything like destroying property in the pursuit of their projects. Is that humane, or merely selfishness institutionalised by those in power? What happened to enlightening the other parties before resorting to destruction? Here is a quote that paints a vivid picture of this feeling:

“To gather green wood, one must rip it violently from the living tree. Yet gathering dead wood removes nothing from the property — only what is already separated is taken. Despite this essential difference, you call both acts theft and punish them as such. Montesquieu names two kinds of corruption: one when the people do not observe the laws, the other when the laws corrupt the people. You have erased the difference between theft and gathering wood. But you are wrong to believe it is in your interest. The people see the punishment, but not the crime. And, as they do not see a crime… when they are punished, you should fear them, for they will take revenge.” — The Young Karl Marx (film)

There is still hope, someday people will fight using formal means to win against injustice | Credits: Rufaro Afrika

As this suggests, not every person will retaliate; some will simply move on and start again elsewhere. We live in a land where laws can be corrupted or can corrupt many individuals, but the question remains: are these destructive measures any different from those of colonisers who denied our native people access to economic activity? We boast of being knowledgeable, but how different are we from those we once condemned? The small-scale business owners of Goo-goo market see only the destruction of their property — nothing about justice in any of this.

UNIMA Checkers VT Stars–Ready to Volley and Check-Bang in CUCSA Competitions

UNIMA Checkers VT Squad at 2025 TESSAM II. Photo Credits: Volleyball Malawi.

The slight failure to return gold at the just-ended TESSAM tournament has not stopped The University of Malawi Checkers Volleyball team (UNIMA Checkers VT) stars from being called into the squad by The Volleyball Association of Malawi to represent Malawi Universities and Colleges in the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) games, which will be hosted in Botswana.

On Sunday, 30th November, 2025 UNIMA Checkers boys fell short to MZUNI Trojans after dominating the previous rounds and having better scores throughout the tournament. Their dominant displays paid off as the majority of the team's players have been called to go camping in preparation to represent the tertiary institutions at CUCSA set to kick-off 2026 in Botswana.

Checkers VT Captain Mikuwa at the back and his fellow stars recharging. Credits: Volleyball Malawi

Hence, the slight failure to secure gold did not stop the Volleyball Association of Malawi from recognising their prowess, as the immediate former TESSAM gold and current silver medalists, went on to dominate the squad. 

The UNIMA Checkers, like the Spain football team in 2010 and 2012 which was dominated by Barcelona players, have also dominated the with ten players compared to their rivals. Barcelona had a majority of players in the Spanish national football team despite semi-final losses to Internazionale Milan and Chelsea, leading to the country's FIFA World Cup and Euro Championship triumphs respectively. Despite being different sporting disciplines, having a majority of UNIMA Checkers' players who already have a good chemistry, also gives the Malawi joint tertiary volleyball team a huge boost like the then all-conquering Spanish football team.

Checkers Captain Mikuwa recharging in a game vs NRC. Photo Credits: Volleyball Malawi

The team also comprises the current gold medalists from MZUNI Trojans, bronze medalists from Bunda Dragons (LUANAR) and the other TESSAM competitors who did not make it to top three in the tournament that just ended last Sunday on 30^th November, 2025.

Below are the names and positions of UNIMA Checkers' players who have been called to join camp as Malawi Volleyball prepare for the games. 

Checkers VT ready for the Kickoff. Photo Credits: Volleyball Malawi

David Chinkhuntha (Setter)

Beston Chimpeni (Setter)

Blessings Mikuwa (CB/Power hitter)

Benson Chimpeni (Opposite)

Leo Kadam'manja (CB)

Harrison Julius (Power)

McDonald Ngwira (Power)

Raphael Chimombo (Power)

Latif Dulana (Power/Libero)

Deusdeditt Chigwenyu (Power)

Congratulations boys!

Follow UNIMA Checkers on Facebook:  https://web.facebook.com/UnimaCheckersVT/

EXTREME SHOUTS AT HOME; WHAT DO THEY MEAN TO VISITORS AND CHILDREN?

There is a psychological trait; I understood that most people especially women, use children as a block to disrespect visitors like relatives or close friends of their partners. The block is simply shouting, and even smacking kids for a minor issue. Mostly, the shouting is extreme for a child's age, and makes the visitor wonder if that is how they normally treat their offspring or those they are raising.

Let us assume they do; what kind of beings will they be when they start to think and do things independently in the future? Honestly, what is displayed means it is not the children they are shouting at, but you, the visitor present at their residence. When you have the chance, please just leave that "wanna-be hell" and never go back if you can. 

Photo Credits: Meta AI

I always quote my late Gramps: "When you are welcomed, children's behaviour is the first sign. Even the joy displayed to these children by parents is a sign that you are appreciated in a home." Of course I was very young when he advised someone of this, and I still recall it vividly.

Anyway, a home where a parent often treats children in an unfriendly way in the presence of visitors is not worth a stay. Someday, you might wonder why people never open up to the possibility of sharing conversations with you or engaging you on important matters. It is definitely your behaviour, and how you react in their presence.

I understand, sometimes children are hard to control, but that is not an excuse to speak, and treat them poorly around visitors. It is very unfortunate that many do not realise this. Hence, the visitors may simply observe the parent, and in the end regard them as a wild animal to kids. They cannot even let their kids to go at relative or friend's for a holiday or some kind of a weekend visit for fear of having them mentally damaged.

Are kindness and love that hard towards the young ones? How did we lose the moral grounds and disciplinary ways to help our children become better? Where is the honesty if we have problems with others?

Tolerating extreme shouts create a hostile environment–not just to the young ones, but everyone present. As we keep on evolving, we should not leave love and discipline behind. Let us be kind with one another, as most religious doctrines say, "Love always win" 🫶

Tell me what you think in the comments or through Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/BcubeRJ/). Another exciting and  enlightening chapter will come from your suggestions.

This is just a start 😉 

PERSEVERANCE CEMENTS GOLD STATUS: UNIMA CHECKERS VT TOPS TESSAM TOURNEY

UNIMA Checkers VT gold medalists (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

The University of Malawi Checkers Volleyball Teams (UNIMA Checkers VT) have proven that success comes through persistence and resilience, as both the men’s and women’s teams claimed gold at the recent Tertiary Education Students Sports Association of Malawi (TESSAM) tournament held in Lilongwe on Saturday, 10^th May 2025.

The men’s team, who were knocked out in the previous tournament after earning bronze in the one before that, and the women’s team, who secured bronze in two consecutive competitions, finally broke through to the top. This year’s sweep cements UNIMA Volleyball as a rising powerhouse in TESSAM, marking a perfect finish in both categories.

UNIMA Checkers VT gold medalists 🥇 showing their medals (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

Speaking after the tournament, men’s captain Benjamin Chamgwera expressed his joy over the hard-earned victory especially that it came in his final year at the institution.

“This gold medal symbolises that hard work pays off. This victory will inspire many aspiring players, especially considering that volleyball is one of the least popular professional sports in the country. I urge the government, the university and other stakeholders to support us in competing in more tournaments, especially those that could earn the nation a continental and global recognition.

Our dominance in both male and female categories shows that we are committed to inclusive success,” said Chamgwera.

Top is Gold: Captain Benjamin Chamgwera🥇 (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers team)

Women’s team captain Jessie Kaunda also celebrated the win, saying she is happy with the triumph, and hopes volleyball gets the recognition and support it deserves for being one of the most successful sports at the university. She further highlighted the benefits of shared training sessions with the men’s team.

Smiles for the MileGold: Captain Jessie Kaunda🥇 (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

“This triumph is a result of strong teamwork across both teams since we often train together. Competing alongside the men helps us to grow as athletes, and it motivates them too when we outperform them. These gold medals are a collective achievement,” Kaunda noted.

Joel Bangs! UNIMA Checkers VT Men's eliminating LUANAR-Bunda Campus team (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers team)

UNIMA Checkers coach, Martin Ngalande, praised the players for their discipline and commitment by acknowledging the team's effort for turning the past losses into learning opportunities.

“This victory is a testimony that UNIMA is indeed the home of excellence. The players made sacrifices, trained consistently despite tight academic schedules, and showed a willingness to grow from past defeats. Some players even missed their final social weekend. This mentality and work ethic made the difference,” said Ngalande.

We learned from our Mistakes - Ngalande (Photo Credits:  Martin Ngalande Facebook)

UNIMA Student Sports Director Precious Bonzo praised the UNIMA Checkers’ efforts and called for greater institutional support.

Athletes need more support - Bonzo (Photo Credits: Chanco News Facebook)

“The university, and other stakeholders need to step in and support these athletes. Their performance shows that with more opportunities in domestic competitions, they can also help with the development of a strong national team,” said Bonzo.

Some UNIMA Checkers VT gold winning players before the games (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

UNIMA Checkers teams achieved gold after facing tough setbacks in recent tournaments. The men’s team bounced back from an early knockout in the last competition, following a bronze medal finish the year before. Meanwhile, the women’s team had consistently secured bronze in the two previous editions. This year, both teams reached new heights: the men’s team defeated Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) 25–13, 25–18, while the women’s team delivered a dominant 25–15, 25–15 victory in the final.

THE SURVIVOR WITH A MORTARBOARD: A MALAWIAN GRADUATE’S STORY

Who is a Malawian Public University graduate?

UNIMA graduation, April 2025 (Credits: UNIMA Facebook Page)

Have you ever walked in the corridors of the University of Malawi (UNIMA) or any other public university as a student?

As we walk the corridors of Malawi's public universities, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of students who strive for excellence despite numerous challenges. From limited resources to financial constraints, these students persevere to fulfil their dreams of a brighter future.

After successfully being enrolled in various public universities for undergraduate studies, either as generic or mature students, many face hardships. Once enrolled, it is common for people back home to heap praises and focus on the belief that the student will come back home with "the paper" in the later years. Unlike in religion where faith is supreme, university students need extra necessities to help them run their day-to-day activities. These necessities are not limited to cooking flour, rice, groceries, and money for lunch and supper, especially for those residing in the school’s hostels.

Many students struggle to make ends meet at these institutions due to financial limitations, and again, psychological constraints caused by academic pressure. Some students complain of being redirected to programs they never wished to study. Others lament about academicians who appear inconsiderate to their academic needs, but that is a story for another day. There have even been tragic trends where universities, particularly the University of Malawi, have lost aspiring graduates to suicide. Almost every academic year since 2022, students have forced themselves into the silent palace. It is the struggles they face at the institution that prompt them to seek an escape route from the difficulties.

The Malawi government tries to support generic students by subsidising education costs and providing loans. Despite this financial help, many generic students still struggle to access basic needs which prompt some to withdraw or seek public assistance through social media. Those who are bold enough open up, and help is given by friends and philanthropists. The problem arises when students fail to speak up about their struggles, whether financial or academic which lead to a silent suffering. The end result is often either suicide or reckless engagement in drugs and substances, especially marijuana and alcohol.

It even gets harder for those who enrolled as mature students; they are not given any financial support from the government—no loans and subsidies. Unless they are employed by institutions willing to sponsor their education, they must shoulder everything themselves. Mature students are expected to worry less, at least in the eyes of generic students who assume that their peers are financially sound due to their admission requirements: proof of work experience, financial statements, or sponsorship letters. Some generic students even ask for financial help from these mature students for luxuries, not knowing that even mature students are unsure of how they will source their own funds. The emotional burden placed on the experienced student, and the silent power that financial expectations hold over them, separates them from their younger counterparts. Some leave behind families that rely on them financially. When they compare their earnings to tuition fees and other necessities, it is a nightmare. Still, they soldier on, and face battles brought upon by academicians in their quest to be certified for the academic award.

Some UNIMA BACCS class of 2024 graduates (Credits: Dr. Chavinda)

To graduate from these institutions, resilience is essential, and most importantly God's grace for many. Despite atheism claims, many cry for help in the name of love. As one big family per UNIMA, arms are stretched to pull each other out of messes: financial, academic or psychological. A degree is a testimony that one attended university, but the real lessons gained from these institutions are not recorded on the transcripts. Those transcripts are strictly information of courses attended in a classroom or an academic required research. The most important lessons from university are stored in the graduate’s brain, the true centre of the degree.

Some argue that a degree is just a paper, but they never understand the struggles and efforts invested to earn it. The lessons learned are the reason people boast about having studied at a public university, not just for academic achievement but for the life lessons gained from interacting with people of different backgrounds in the country, and sometimes from across the globe. A degree is not just a paper, it is a testimony of resilience, hope and determination.

 A sigh of relief as student is ready to be conferred his Bachelors in 2025 (Credits: UNIMA Facebook page)

Behind every graduation photo is a story of survival. A story of skipped meals, silent cries, sleepless nights, postponed dreams and quiet courage. The mortarboard is not just worn on the head, it rests on the weight of everything a student had to endure to earn it.

Last Man standing (Credits: UNIMA Facebook page)

They are not just graduates. They are survivors, the last kind standing with a mortarboard.

A question for your mind, who is a graduate from a public university in Malawi?

Leave the comments below.