Maghemo Secondary School qualifies for FDH Bank national finals

Maghemo Secondary School in Karonga District has qualified for the national finals of the FDH Bank Secondary Schools Football and Netball Tournament after emerging champions in the Northwest Education Division finals held on Saturday at Maghemo Secondary School Ground.

Six secondary schools competed in the division finals after winning at district level. The schools were Maghemo, Yamba and Chitipa Secondary Schools from Chitipa District, and Chankhomi and Rumphi Secondary Schools from Rumphi District.

In football, Maghemo defeated Chitipa Secondary School 3–1 in the final. In netball, the school triumphed over Rumphi Secondary School with a 28–21 victory, earning the right to represent the Northwest Education Division at the national finals.

Northwest Education Division Desk Sports Officer, who is also District Education Sports Officer for Rumphi, Gibbie Mulagha, commended the teams for their discipline and level of participation throughout the competition.

“The tournament has been a great success as students have showcased their talents while promoting sportsmanship and health wellbeing, which are key objectives of the competition,” said Mulagha.

He said structured competitions are important in identifying emerging talent and creating pathways for learners to advance to higher levels of competition.

“Beyond sport, this initiative helps our youth stay away from negative influences as we want to shape responsible citizens for the future,” he added.

Director of Sports at Maghemo Secondary School, Yonamu Gumbo described the achievement as significant, especially as the school hosted the division finals.

“As hosts, we prepared thoroughly because we did not want to lose at home. The players understood what was at stake and rose to the occasion,” said Gumbo.

The competition was rolled out in October 2025 after FDH Bank PLC partnered Malawi Schools Sports Association in a K360 million three-year sponsorship deal aimed at reviving and promoting football and netball talent in secondary schools across the country.