Malawiâs football development drive is set to gain fresh momentum after listed First Capital Bank (FCB) increased the 2026 FCB plc Katswiri U20 Youth Football League sponsorship package to K100 million from K52 million last season.
The enhanced funding is expected to strengthen grassroots football structures by providing young players with consistent competition, exposure, and a clearer pathway into elite football.
Speaking after unveiling the sponsorship in Blantyre on Tuesday FCB plc Head of Marketing, Twikale Chirwa said the bank has also widened the leagueâs reach to 16 districts from the previous 14.
He said said the bank has doubled the package to widen efforts in identifying and scouting talent.
âWe have launched this K100 million league together with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the National Youth Football Association (NYFA) in response to the need to grow football at grassroots level. A lot of football talent in Malawi is discovered in rural areas, and these players eventually feed into the national teams and the elite league,â said Chirwa.
NYFA Chairperson Tiyenkhu Chavura, commended FCB plc for doubling the sponsorship which he says will benefit the players more, and directly through increased prize money.
âThis support will allow us to improve prize money, provide uniforms for winners, and cover officiating costs. All this aligns directly with FAMâs Transforming the Game agenda.
âTeams will first compete at district level, after which the best players will progress to division level. The top performers from each division will then advance to the national division.
In addition, players from the winning teams will receive individual awards, which will further motivate young talent,â said Chavura.
The league is expected to kick-off in April next year, according to the FAM calendar, and will start at district level before moving to the regional level then national level.
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