MEDIA RELEASE
All is set for the launch of the third edition of the Castel Challenge Cup on Saturday at the newly inaugurated Nsanje Community Centre.
The launch will be spiced up by a ceremonial match between Nsanje District sworn rivals Umodzi FC and Nsanje Medicals.
The official matches in the preliminary round at District and Regional level are also expected to start this weekend.
FAM Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said all is set to roll out the biggest Cup competition in the country.
“We can confirm that we are going to the lower shire to unveil this year’s competition. In 2023 we were in Rumphi in the northern region while last year we went to Mponela in the central region.
“Now we are going to the Southern region, and we thought of no other place than the Nsanje Youth Centre which FAM rehabilitated recently.
“As usual we are looking forward to an exciting competition,” said Zakazaka.
Castel Malawi’s Head of Product Development & Marketing Strategy, Frank Binauli, says the tournament is more than just football — it is a celebration of national unity and community spirit.
“As we kick off the third edition of the Castel Challenge Cup this coming Saturday, we celebrate more than just football—we celebrate passion, unity, and the spirit of competition that connects communities across Malawi,” said Binauli.
He highlighted Castel Malawi’s commitment to youth development and creating opportunities through sports.
“At Castel Malawi, we believe in empowering talent and creating platforms that inspire dreams. This partnership with the Football Association of Malawi is a reflection of our commitment to national development, youth empowerment, and the beautiful game that unites us all. Together, let’s make this season the most thrilling yet—where champions are made, and legends are born.
“We kicked off the first season in Rumphi and the second season in Mponela, so we are excited to engage our Southern Region consumers in Nsanje this weekend. We look forward to another exciting season filled with passion, competition, and unforgettable moments for fans and players alike, powered by our Flagship Brand – Castel Beer.”The Castel Challenge Cup will be played in two phases, the Preliminary and National Phase.
The preliminary round will be divided into three Phases: District, Regional Leagues and Regional Playoffs.
In the District Preliminary Phase, teams will compete in their respective districts to determine a district champion to qualify for the Regional Playoffs.
The Regional League teams, both Premier and Division One will play in a knockout Regional Leagues preliminary in their respective regions to come up with five teams that will qualify for the Regional Playoffs. Each Region Will produce five teams that will qualify for the Regional Playoffs.
In the Regional Playoffs the District Champions and qualified Regional Leagues teams, will join National Division League teams in their respective regions for Playoffs to come up with 16 teams that join the 16 Super League teams in the National phase as follows:
Eastern Region- 3 teams
Central Region- 4 Teams
Northern Region- 5 Teams
Southern Region- 4 teams.
Mighty Wanderers are the champions having defeated Mzuzu City Hammers 1-0 during last year’s final.
ENDS-
For further information please contact:
FAM Communications Department
Email: communications@fam.mw
