* Each participating player will get K7 million to be credit into each of their accounts directly
* For NBS Bank, this is more than a reward — it is a celebration of national excellence and a reaffirmation of the Bank’s commitment to developing Malawian football
* Empowering talent and supporting initiatives that unite and inspire the nation
By Duncan Mlanjira
Just before the Scorchers beat Algeria 3-1 to qualify for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) final, NBS Bank announced a landmark K245 million reward for the 48-member for their historic qualification into the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
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In a statement, the bank announced that it recognises the players, technical team and support staff — whose collective effort has carried Malawi onto football’s biggest global stage.
“NBS Bank Plc will credit each of the members’ accounts directly and is pleased to mention that each participating player will get K7 million,” says the statement.
“For NBS Bank, this is more than a reward — it is a celebration of national excellence and a reaffirmation of the Bank’s commitment to developing Malawian football, empowering talent and supporting initiatives that unite and inspire the nation.”
The statement quotes NBS Bank Chief Executive Officer Temwani Simwaka saying: “The Scorchers have demonstrated courage, resilience and an unwavering determination to succeed.
Chief Executive Officer, Temwani Simwaka
“This K245 million reward is our way of saying: ‘you have made history, you have made Malawi proud, and NBS Bank stands with you as you prepare for the world stage’.”
Beyond this reward, Simwaka says NBS Bank “will support the team with financial literacy and wealth management solutions to help them protect, manage and grow their earnings for the future”.
The initiative, says the bank, builds on its longstanding investment in football development as it works closely with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) through sponsorship of key initiatives, including the National Division League (NDL) Season 2 and the FAM Charity Shield.
“NBS Bank’s commitment is further strengthened by its parent company, NICO Group, which supports Ascent Soccer academy and its work in developing young football talent.
“At least five Ascent players are part of the current Scorchers squad, demonstrating the importance of sustained investment in the football development pathway — from grassroots talent to international success.
“As a proudly Malawian, NBS Bank believes that when Malawians make history, their achievements deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
“As the Scorchers prepare to represent Malawi on the world stage, NBS Bank proudly stands with them — honouring history, investing in possibility and inspiring the next generation.”
The five Ascent Soccer players helping write the most important chapter yet in Malawian football history include Rose Kadzere, who found the back of the net in the 79th minute against Ghana on Sunday.
Faith Chinzimu (right) and Rose Kadzere (centre)
The Ascent graduate, who plays for Montpellier in France, is joined by other graduates Ireen Khumalo, Faith Chinzimu and current academy players Maggie Chavula and Leticia Chinyamula.
Kadzere helped secure Malawi’s first-ever qualification (male or female) for the FIFA World Cup playing in their debut WAfCON ranked at 153rd in the world.
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