The National Bank of Malawi has donated K5.5 million to the annual Malawi Defence Force Sports Festival, which is currently underway at the Malawi Armed Forces College in Salima, according to Nyasa Times. The week-long event brings together military personnel from across the country to compete in disciplines including football, netball, athletics, boxing, and, for the first time, golf.
In grassroots football, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has invested over K200 million into a nationwide talent identification initiative through the Shepherd Bushiri Foundation. Nyasa Times reports that the first phase of the scouting programme recently concluded at Nyambadwe Ground in Blantyre, with Bushiri urging corporate entities to increase their financial support for youth sports development and local infrastructure.
Update: The aftermath of the NBS Bank Charity Shield has sparked a dispute after Lilongwe Mayor Peter Banda was prevented from participating in the trophy presentation. According to Owinna, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has condemned the incident, while the Malawi Local Government Association, led by Isaac Jomo Osman, has demanded a formal apology from the Football Association of Malawi.
Meanwhile, England-based Malawian forward Shaquille Gwengwe scored twice to help Poole Town defeat Havant and Waterlooville 2-0 in the Southern League Premier South. Owinna reports that the victory secures a promotion playoff spot for Poole Town, with Gwengwe reaching a tally of 40 league goals in his debut season for the club.