2025 Thumbs Up Premier Division League is set to kick off Sunday at Mulanje Park Stadium, with Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) confident that its teams will deliver an entertaining and competitive season.
SRFA General Secretary Ishmael Sande told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday that the association is geared up for a successful 2025 season, having taken proactive steps to address past challenges and ensure a smooth-running season.
“This year we will go back to the round robin format where teams will play two rounds on home and away basis. The three teams with the highest number of points will be promoted to National Division League with the bottom three being relegated to Division one,” he said.
Sande added that SRFA facilitated a refresher meeting for team officials to look at challenges faced in 2024 season and find solutions to have a successful 2025 season.
“We also held a meeting with referees to iron out issues that transpired last season in readiness for the upcoming season and we have put in measures during the refresher meeting to ensure that safety and fair play is paramount,” said Sande.
He also disclosed that to address the issue of shortage of playing grounds in southern region, the association has planned to have some games played midweek and, where they have space during weekends, two games will be played on one venue.
“We are also looking at possibilities of availability of some school grounds after carrying out ground inspections,” Sande added.
Ahead of the new season, a number of teams in the league have engaged services of reputable and experienced coaches and have recruited good players to strengthen their squads.
Public Relations Officer for Chilobwe United, Julio Chimbuzi, said that they are well prepared for the new season, adding that they are targeting a promotion into the National Division League.
“The team is fully prepared for the new season. As you have seen that we have been signing new players including Mada Haji and Mada Chinsomba from Nsanje United and also Vava Badere from Dzaleka Select, among others, to boost our squad,” he said.
On Sunday, the launching game will be between FOMO Reserve and Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve at Mulanje Park Stadium whereas Nsanje United will play Mwanza Stars at Nsanje Community Center Ground.
In other games, Chilomoni FC will host Liberty FC at Chilomoni Stadium, Chilobwe United will play against Tigers Reserve at Money Men Ground while Nyambadwe United will welcome The Boys at Kamuzu Stadium.
On Monday, Wanderers Reserve will host Zingwangwa United at Mpira Stadium and FC Thondwe will play against Ekhaya Reserve at Kamuzu Stadium.
