Flashback: Mkulichi (L) hands over a dummy cheque to Mittawa | Bobby Kabango Across the country, eight thrilling fixtures promise to ignite the season in spectacular fashion. From the packed terraces to the roaring drums and chanting supporters, Malawian football returns with all its colour and intensity. Every pass, every tackle, every goal will carry the weight of history as clubs look to etch their names into the first chapter of this exciting competition.

Opening day is always special, but this one feels different. For defending champions Mighty Wanderers, they are supposed to face Karonga United in the launch match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, although it was still unclear whether the match will take place due to the stand-off between Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and Football Association of Malawi over the venue. If it does take place, then it will be about setting the tone, making a statement and seizing the early momentum in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive campaign.

In an interview, Wanderers assistant coach McDonald Mtetemera, still bubbling with confidence after defeating rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 1-0 in the NBS Bank Charity Shield last Saturday, said they are geared for the opener. “As defending champions we need to make sure we collect full points. We need to start on a high note.

So, this game is more than important to us,” he said. But the Nomads are up against one of the two teams that beat them in the 2025 season, when they booted them out in Airtel Top 8. However, Mtetemera said they are not looking much into what happened last season.

“That’s in the past. Let’s focus on this season,” said Mtetemera who is leading the team in the absence of head coach Bob Mpinganjira who is on attachment the UK. Karonga finished sixth in 2025 season under head coach Oscar Kaunda who is now with newly-promoted Luanar Mitundu FC.

Ingwina ya Karonga’s newly-appointed coach Audrow Makonyola said his aim is to lead the team to top-three finish and the mission starts this afternoon. “I have a good side and I will ensure that the team performs well. As head coach, my aim for the 2026 season is to lead the team to a top-four or top-three finish,” he said.

Elsewhere, last season’s runners-up Bullets, straight from last week’s loss to rivals Wanderers, will be hoping to regain their lost glory as they take on Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe. Having failed to win the league for the past two seasons, the People’s Team are beginning to forget how it feels like to be champions. But in an interview, interim coach Gilbert Chirwa said this season could be a year of restoration.

The former Flames international said: “We will keep the fighting spirit. Just because we did not win the league last season it does not mean that this season will be the same. “We are encouraging our players to work hard so that we do well.

Based on our pre-season performances, the team is coming together and I believe it will work for us.” But Bullets have always struggled against Civil, who were one of the six teams that defeated the People’s Team last season. Civil head coach Abbas Makawa said they look forward to another exciting encounter, but was quick to say they will not be carried away by last season’s success over Bullets. Meanwhile, last season’s bronze winners and 2024 champions Silver Strikers launch their campaign away to Kamuzu Barracks at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.

For sponsors FDH Bank plc, the league is just a continuation of their successful journey in football after six seasons of FDH Bank Cup. The bank acting head of marketing Ronald Chimchere said they are out to ensure they continue the legacy left by FDH Bank Cup. He said: “FDH Bank Cup will do down in history as one of the most successful cup competitions in the country.

We are taking football sponsorship with at another level with the FDH Bank Premiership. “Fans should be prepared for a thrilling season as FDH Bank plc brings you Waishosha!” Super League of Malawi (Sulom) general secretary Williams Banda said all is set for the new season. “FDH Bank plc have done their part.

It’s now time for clubs and fans to do theirs. We wish all the teams all the best as they battle for points,” he said.