Father vs Son: Mpinganjiras Set for Emotional Airtel Top 8 Final Showdown

Suleman Chitera
August 28, 2026
Estimated read time 2 min read
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By Suleman Chitera

BLANTYRE — Football will put family loyalty to the ultimate test on Sunday when Mighty Wanderers president and sponsor Thomson Mpinganjira watches the Airtel Top 8 final against Ekhaya FC—the club owned and sponsored by his son, William Mpinganjira.

The highly anticipated final will be played at Bingu National Stadium, setting the stage for a fascinating father-and-son football storyline as the two sides battle for one of Malawi’s biggest domestic honours.

Thomson, who also serves as Mighty Wanderers’ board chairperson, has confirmed that he will be in the stands to watch the Nomads take on Ekhaya.

Speaking ahead of the final, he said he is looking forward to an entertaining encounter.

But Sunday’s match will carry a special significance for the Mpinganjira family.

While Thomson has strong ties to Mighty Wanderers, his son William is the man behind Ekhaya FC, which is preparing for a historic moment—the club’s first-ever Airtel Top 8 final appearance.

That makes the occasion a rare football spectacle: a father and son watching a major final involving the teams they are closely associated with, but on opposite sides of the contest.

Interestingly, Thomson’s last known appearance at a match came in June last year, when Mighty Wanderers and Ekhaya FC met in a league fixture.

More than a year later, the two teams will meet again, but this time the stakes could hardly be higher.

For William, the occasion represents an important milestone in Ekhaya’s rapid rise. The club has fought its way into the final and now stands one match away from claiming its first major Airtel Top 8 crown.

He has also confirmed that he will be at Bingu National Stadium to watch his team make its historic first final appearance.

The big question now is simple: when the final whistle goes, which side of the Mpinganjira family will be celebrating?

Mighty Wanderers will rely on their experience, tradition and hunger for silverware, while Ekhaya will be chasing history and the chance to announce itself on one of Malawi football’s biggest stages.

And somewhere in the stands will be Thomson and William Mpinganjira—father and son, football enthusiasts, but connected to opposing teams on a day when only one club can walk away with the trophy.

The stage is set. The family rivalry is ready. And Bingu National Stadium will have the final say.