Tag: Sports

First Lady praises NBM for backing Scorchers

The Malawi Scorchers’ historic run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has earned praise from First Lady Gertrude Mutharika, who has commended National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc for supporting the team beyond its financial sponsorship.Mutharika said NBM’s commitment helped create an environment that enabled the team to make history by reaching the...

Wanderers eye recovery against Red Lions

Mighty Wanderers Football Club are eyeing a return to winning ways when they host Zomba-based soldiers Red Lions at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre today Saturday.Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira said the Nomads are treating the home fixture as crucial as they look to bounce back in the 2026 Ipemelere FDH Bank Premiership.Mpinganjira said the Nomads...

A Hollywood Ending

NBA journalist Yaron Weitzman lays out the high stakes drama happening inside the Lakers' organization as they try to juggle the warring priorities between LeBron James and the Buss family. When LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, it looked like a match made in heaven. Here was the preeminent athlete of his generation, fresh off ending Cleveland’s 50-year title drought and in need of a new challenge to help further burnish his legacy, joining forces with one of the most iconic teams in all of sports. And here were the Lakers, in the midst of their worst stretch in franchise history and reeling from the death of the legendary owner Dr. Jerry Buss, in need of a savior. The script wrote itself. A little over two years later, LeBron and Dr. Buss' daughter, Jeanie, were standing shoulder to shoulder, hoisting the NBA finals trophy into the air. Having won their record-tying 17th NBA title, the Lakers had reclaimed their accustomed perch on top of the basketball world. It looked to be the birth of a new dynasty. But this was a new Lakers’ franchise, one beset by infighting and years removed from Kobe's prime. And this was LeBron James, the catalyst of the “player empowerment” era, an athlete chasing things greater than Michael Jordan’s ghost. The two parties were too big to peacefully coexist under one roof. The 2020 title would represent the pinnacle of their pairing, and the beginning of a precipitous decline. Drawing from over 250 interviews, Yaron Weitzman takes readers on a riveting, behind the scenes journey of this fraught partnership. From the Succession-like power struggle between the Buss children, to the rise of LeBron’s landscape-altering talent agency and its attempts to assert its own power within the Lakers’ walls, to the evolution of LeBron’s priorities and political voice, “A Hollywood Ending” is the definitive story of an American icon’s final years on stage, one portraying him, a fabled NBA franchise, and the world of modern professional sports in a light never seen before.

Harvest time: Scorchers reap K5m each

Malawi President Peter Mutharika has rewarded Scorchers players with K5 million each

Scorchers’ success: women urged to believe in themselves

Women across Malawi are being urged to draw inspiration from the Scorchers’ historic success and believe in themselves, as their dreams may be closer than they think. The Scorchers made history at the WAFCON in Morocco, reaching the final in their debut appearance and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their remarkable...

Malawian eyes turn to the sky for Scorchers

With minutes ticking down to touchdown, all eyes are on the sky as Malawians wait to welcome home the African continental stars the Malawi National Women’s Football Team the Scorchers.This afternoon, the Scorchers with their silver medals around their necks are expected to step off the plane onto Malawian soil to beaming, joyful faces in...

Sikelo breaks silence on Scorchers future

Scorchers goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo has broken her silence after claims about her future with the Malawi national women’s football team started circulating on social media.The Scorchers shot stopper has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that she has quit the Malawi national women’s football team.The reports emerged after some social media users claimed that...

Temwa Chawinga Tops African Player Ratings in EA Sports FC 27

Malawi’s football star Temwa Chawinga has been ranked the highest-rated African player in EA Sports FC 27, earning an impressive overall rating of 89.

Malawi Football: Why women are leaving men in the dust

It is no coincidence that Malawi’s women are conquering international sports while the men’s national football team stumbles. The women’s football team, the Scorchers, clinched the COSAFA title in 2023, qualified for their historic first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and advanced to the 2026 WAFCON semi-finals to secure an extraordinary qualification for the...

Hands off Scorchers! Malawi’s FA warns businesses

...FAM claims control over Scorchers players’ names, images in commercial crackdown Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has warned businesses and individuals against using Scorchers players, their names and images to promote products or services without its permission. Warning comes as Malawi National Women’s Football Team enjoys increased national attention following its historic qualification for 2026...

What I'm Most Excited to Watch for All 30 NBA Teams This Season

The upcoming NBA regular season has the potential to be one of the more exciting ever. It's wild to think how many teams were incentivized to lose in the past. I watched too many Washington Wizards games last season with Anthony Gill playing heavy minutes at center. But it's a new day. Teams that finish in the bottom three are now most likely to get the 10th, 11th, and 12th overall picks. Since there is little benefit to losing, we are in store for one of the more competitive and enjoyable regular seasons of our lifetime. So here is what I'm most excited to watch for each team.

Ekwendeni FC stranded on Chizumulu Island

A football trip that started with a match has taken an unexpected turn for Ekwendeni FC, with the team now facing an uncertain wait on Chizumulu Island.The 24-member team travelled to the island for a Chiwemi Northern Region Football League Division One fixture, but strong waves on Lake Malawi have disrupted its return journey.Team coach...

School Sport: Malawi’s talent pipeline

Government’s decision to invest in school sport is beginning to pay off, with the Malawi Youth Games emerging as an important pathway for identifying and developing talent for national and international competition.Speaking at the opening of the sixth edition of the Malawi Youth Games, on Thursday at Bingu, Civo, Kamuzu Institute and Lilongwe Community grounds,...

From Kansas City to History: Temwa Chawinga Powers Malawi to World Cup

Malawi have written themselves into history books, and their hero has helped pen one of the headlines thousands of miles away. The Scorchers booked their place at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 after landing a sensational 2–1 comeback win over Ghana in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in Morocco on Saturday. For...

Mtumbuka the prophet: Scorchers follow his 3-1 script

Forget the prophets who would cough, pause and leave everyone guessing. You can now start calling Mathews Mtumbuka Prophet of the Scorchers, after the Rumphi Central MP called a 3-1 Malawi win over Algeria before the match.Speaking on Wednesday during the opening of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA Africa Region meeting in Lilongwe, Mtumbuka told...

Scorchers progressed, but did FAM’s delegation plan?

Malawi’s historic Scorchers run at WAFCON 2026 raises questions over FAM’s delegation plans after some officials returned home. Focus keyphrase: FAM delegation plan.

Masewero m’sukulu, gwero la Scorchers

Pomwe atsikana a Scorchers ku mpikisano wa WAFCON ku Morocco akudoda chikopa mopatsa kaso ngati si aku Malawi konkuno, zadziwika kuti ambiri mwa iwo lunso lawo linatumphuka kudzera m’mipikisano ya masewero m'sukulu.Mtsogoleri wazamasewero m’sukulu m’dziko muno, Blackson Malamula, wati 90% ya asungwana okankha chikopa ku timu ya dziko lino ya Scorchers, akuchokera kumipikisano ya m’sukulu...

Neymar Retires from International Football Following Norway Shock

Photo by Samuel Costa Melo on Unsplash Neymar started life for Brazil’s national team at the MetLife Stadium, and finished it there. At 34 years old, Neymar has retired from international football following Brazil’s Round of 16 defeat to Norway. The forward’s first international cap was a friendly against USA in 2010. 16 years later,...

Weeknotes no.7 – it's simple, but not easy 🏋🏼‍♂️

this week's weeknotes is all about the gym, motivation, and discipline

Queens return with confidence

Queens confident after seventh at Commonwealth Games

Goalkeeper Munthali waves goodbye to Masters FC

Masters FC goalkeeper Brighton Munthali has officially waved goodbye to the Lilongwe-based club after completing a transfer to Tanzania's Mbeya City FC.The shot-stopper trained with the team for the final time on Tuesday before bidding farewell to teammates, coaches and club officials.Speaking after his last session, an emotional Munthali thanked everyone at the club.“I would...

Sports in the Atmosphere

Lessons from attempting to build an AT proto sports app and how to actually make it happen

Muyaba to leave Masters

Khuda Muyaba is set to leave Masters FC just weeks after joining the Lilongwe-based club following a fallout with head coach Peter Mponda, Malawi24 has learnt.Malawi24 has established that the striker and the club have mutually agreed to part ways after Muyaba said he was uncomfortable working under Mponda.Sources said Muyaba refused to play under...

Mponda, Myaba at war? Trouble brews at Masters FC

Masters FC supporters have been left wondering what is unfolding behind the scenes after a series of cryptic social media posts by forward Khuda Myaba and head coach Mjojo Mponda fueled speculation that all is not well behind scene.The online exchange comes days after reports of a fallout between the two following Masters FC's FDH...

Responding to Nagoya Basho Grades

I read and enjoyed Josh K's Some Highly Subjective Grades for Nagoya 2026, referring to the Nagoya Basho grand sumo tournament. He gave out four A's to M7E Kotoeiho, S2W Aoniishki (A+ to the winner), S1E Atamijfuji, and OE Kirishima. I cannot disagree with any. The latter three competed in a playoff for the title,...

UEFA to boycott FIFA World Cup: Infantino faces revolt

NYON, Switzerland — UEFA and its 55 member associations have unanimously agreed to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, if FIFA president Gianni Infantino proceeds with plans to sell ownership stakes in the tournament to private investors. In an unprecedented statement released on Thursday, European football's governing body declared that the FIFA...

Jed, teams with enough pitching talent don’t lose after a dramatic 2-run home run in the top of the tenth. Please, please, please bring in some great pitchers to make a run. https://www.mlb.com/gameday/823022/video/luis-gastelum-in-play-run-s-to-pete-crow-armstrong

“Pay me first”: Khuda Myaba controversy twists Masters’ hand

That demand by Masters Football Club player Khuda Myaba has forced the club to clarify its media policy.Masters FC said journalists will not be charged for routine football interviews.In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said its policy applies only to exclusive podcasts and other digital content where a player's appearance may have commercial...

‘Infantino must go’: Malawians

Malawians have turned against FIFA president Gianni Infantino as a global backlash grows over his controversial plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup. A Malawi24 poll conducted on Facebook found that 80% of respondents believe Infantino should not remain FIFA president now that the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended. Only 17% said...

Quotation of the day from Chip Caray discussing the last couple days here in St. Louis: . . . it’s felt like breathing through a wet washcloth.

Two lucky fans fly to Morocco to cheer the Scorchers

Two lucky Malawian football fans have set off for Morocco to cheer the Scorchers from the stands after winning an all-expenses-paid trip ahead of the team's opening match at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.Second paragraph: Charles Msatiyenda and Halima Mangani left through Chileka International Airport on Sunday after emerging as grand prize winners...

Scorchers’ new kit kicks off fan derby

Before they have even kicked a ball at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Malawi's Scorchers have already scored one of the tournament's biggest talking points, their new ponchos.The senior women's national team unveiled the colourful outfit on Saturday as they arrived in Rabat ahead of Tuesday's heavyweight opener against Nigeria, setting off a...

Evaluating My Nagoya Basho Predictions

On July 11, I made my pre-Nagoya Basho predictions for the fourth grand sumo tournament of 2026. To be precise, I picked eight wrestlers to hit double digit wins. Now that the Nagoya Basho has been completed, let us see how I did... First, let us look at the records of the eight wrestlers I...

Bullets in panic

The aura is fading, rivals are pulling away and pressure is mounting on FCB Nyasa Big Bullets after a defeat to GC Dedza Dynamos, leaving the 2024 champions needing an immediate response to keep elite league crown within reach.On Saturday, Bullets suffered their first defeat of the 2026 FDH Bank Premiership, falling 1-0 to Goshen...

Osewera amakhala ngati akulemedwa – Munthali

Wothandizira kuphunzitsa timu ya FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Heston Munthali wati osewera ake amakhala ngati akukakamizidwa pomwe agonja ndi Goshen City Dedza Dynamos.Marco Chiwaya anagoletsera Dedza Dynamos mu mphindu 40, kuti masewerowa athere 1-0.Atatha masewero pa bwalo la Dedza, Munthali anawuza olemba nkhani kuti FCB Nyasa Big Bullets sinasewere mmene amayembekezera."Mamenyedwe ake timakhala ngati timakakamizidwa"...

Tadej Pogacar Shatters Pantani’s 1995 Alpe d’Huez Record by 1:15

I haven't watched the Tour de France since 2016, mainly due to the fact I dropped cable and would need to subscribe to a streaming service that may or may not work with my all-Linux set-up. But I stay abreast of the big stories, as I proved last year with my articles on the superhuman...

Masters chase upset against Wanderers

Masters FC head coach Peter Mponda has declared his side's intention to go for maximum points when they face defending champions Mighty Wanderers in an FDH Bank Premiership clash at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.The Lilongwe-based side heads into the encounter seeking to improve its away record after suffering defeats to Ekhaya FC and FCB Nyasa...

Will a classic St Louis summer thunderstorm interrupt our World Cup final viewing? Only time will tell.

A Cup Of What?

Completing the Zwem4daagse

A few hours ago, I completed my first edition of the Zwem4daagse, which is a yearly even here in The Netherlands where you swim a certain distance for four days. After swimming 500 meters four days, I am now a proud owner of a cute little medal!

Fortunate NBA Champions (2001-2016)

Writing for The Pudding, Russell Samora recently put together a list of the "most ethical" NBA champions, wherein he used a formula (with many entertaining graphs) to determine, going back to 2001, which NBA champions benefited the least and most from missed games against their playoff rivals. I followed the NBA closely for most of...

Brazilian volleyball star Douglas Souza has married his long-term boyfriend, Gabriel Campos

Outside hitter Douglas was part of the national team squad that claimed Olympic gold at their home Games in Rio in 2016. He went on to win World Championships silver with Brazil in 2018, and in the same year, he started posting pictures of himself with his boyfriend on social media, coming out as gay...

Nagoya Basho Predictions

The Nagoya Basho grand sumo tournament is about to begin. I watched the first three tournaments of the year (January, March, and May) and am excited for the fourth. I would not yet deem myself competent to predict the records of all the participants like Tim Edwards does on his always-interesting Sumo Stomp! blog, but...

Why Does Conor McGregor Get a Comeback?

Conor McGregor returns to headline UFC 329 tonight after being found liable for rape in civil court, a comeback made possible by the UFC's right-wing politicization and the broader 'Epstein class' culture of impunity for powerful men. On the normalization of sexual violence, Dana White's friendship with Trump, and how public awareness fails to disrupt the status quo.

Swimming, Second Diploma, and Summer

Today I had my last swimming lesson before the summer break. Since I haven't given any update on my swimming since the end of April, this felt like the perfect natural moment to do so. It's been so much fun!

Having put two kids through the St. Louis youth club soccer system, the writer gets a lot right about the reality of youth soccer in this country. It’s insanely expensive, and even if the player is incredibly talented, if he’s on the wrong team or has the wrong coach or is at the wrong club,...