The second season of the NBS Bank National Division League was officially kicked off on Sunday afternoon at Owen Malijani Stadium in Mchinji.
A packed stadium witnessed the curtain-raiser as newly promoted Extreme FC faced Namitete Zitha in the opening fixture of the second-tier competition.
Beston Jimu scored the decisive goal as Extreme FC secured a 1-0 victory, earning their first three points of the campaign and going top of the 12-team table after week one.
NBS Bank Head of Marketing Frank Magombo expressed excitement over the successful launch and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to football development.
“As NBS Bank, we are excited to contribute towards the development of sports in Malawi, which is why we have sponsored the league with K530 million, and we will continue to support local football,” said Magombo.
He added that the sponsorship also aligns with the bank’s broader objective of expanding financial inclusion.
FAM President Fleetwood Haiya commended NBS Bank for the significant sponsorship increase and pledged a professionally managed season.
“As the Football Association of Malawi, we pledge that this year, the National Division League will be run professionally with integrity, just like the first season,” said Haiya.
Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports Alfred Gangata emphasized the broader social value of sports.
“Government will support companies that sponsor sports, helping them satisfy their interests and needs. If they ask for support, we will surely provide it,” he said.
This season’s sponsorship package has increased from K270 million to K530 million, with each participating team receiving K20 million in subvention as well as two sets of uniforms.
The league champions will receive K25 million, while the runners-up and third-placed teams will earn K12.5 million and K7.5 million, respectively.
A total of 12 teams will compete this season, with the top three securing promotion to the elite league, while four teams will face relegation to regional leagues.
