By Vincent Khonje
The 2026 Chipiku Central Region Football Association (CRFA) League was officially launched on Sunday at Mchinji Community Ground, with a call to safeguard one of Malawi’s longest-running football sponsorships.
A highly anticipated derby between bitter rivals Mchinji Villa FC and Mchinji Boma Strikers spiced up the launch, living up to its billing as fans witnessed a fiercely contested encounter that ended in a goalless stalemate.
The Mchinji derby, which marked the launch of the CRFA Chipiku League, failed to produce a goal despite providing plenty of excitement for the large crowd in attendance.
Both teams displayed flashes of brilliance and came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions providing plenty of excitement for the large crowd in attendance.
In the second half, an effort by Mchinji Villa FC was cleared off the line, while Mchinji Boma Strikers struck the upright.
Both coaches said they are targeting promotion to the NBS National Division League.
Mchinji Boma Strikers coach, Richard Fosco praised his players saying they performed well despite failing to find the net.
“The players followed the instructions and we could have scored, but we missed good chances. We have a good team and we are geared to play in the NBS National Division,” said Fosco.
Mchinji Villa coach, George Masito also said his side is focused on returning to the NBS National Division League.
“It was a derby, and derbies are always difficult. We will work hard and our focus is returning to the NBS National Division League. We will score goals, I am sure,” said Masito.
The league has attracted sponsorship amounting to K30 million this season.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Vice President, Christopher Madalitso Kuyera hailed Chipiku Stores for its unwavering commitment to football development through its 25-year sponsorship of the league.
“We should jealously guard this sponsorship because it is not easy for a company to remain committed to a football competition for 25 years. This partnership has benefited football development and it deserves our collective support,” he said.
He urged football lovers to support Chipiku Stores by patronising its shops saying such support would enable the company to continue investing in football.
Chipiku Regional Sales Manager for the centre, Brown Nkangama said the company was proud to continue sponsoring the competition and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting football as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“We do business in the districts and it is only proper that we give back,” he said.
CRFA Chairperson, Goodall Chinjoka, expressed gratitude to Chipiku Stores for maintaining the partnership over the years.
“For a sponsor to stay with us for 25 years, it means there has been mutual trust and cooperation. We value this relationship and will continue working hard to ensure that it grows from strength to strength,” he said.
