FAM Eyes Mega Awards Ceremony as Airtel Top 8 Set to Merge with National Football Awards

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has unveiled plans to merge the Airtel Top 8 Zamadolo Awards with its annual football awards, a move expected to create a single, high-profile celebration of the country’s football excellence.

FAM President Fleethood Haiya announced the development on Wednesday during the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Zamadolo Season 8 Awards held at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

Haiya said the proposed merger, targeted for the 2026/2027 season, aims to strengthen partnerships and elevate the stature of football awards in Malawi.

“This will create an epic celebration of Malawian football while strengthening our partnership with Airtel,” said Haiya.

He highlighted the growing impact of the Airtel Top 8 tournament, noting that it has become a key driver in the development of the local game.

The competition has generated about K216 million in gate revenue and made history by filling Bingu National Stadium to capacity.

According to Haiya, the tournament’s success reflects improved integrity, transparency, and competitiveness among Malawi’s top teams.

The awards ceremony also celebrated on-field excellence, with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets crowned 2025 Airtel Top 8 champions for the fourth time in eight editions.

The team walked away with K35 million, while runners-up Silver Strikers received K12 million.

Individually, Bullets defender Blessings Mpokera was named Player of the Season, while Silver Strikers’ Festus Duwe claimed the Golden Boot after scoring three goals in three matches.

The event further recognized sports journalists for their role in promoting the game. MBC’s Praise Majawa was named Best Television Sports Reporter, with other winners honored across print, electronic, online, and photography categories.

Majawa hailed the initiative, saying it is helping raise standards in sports reporting.

“These awards motivate us to push the boundaries of sports storytelling in Malawi,” he said.

Meanwhile, Airtel Malawi Managing Director Aashish Dutt welcomed the idea of a merger but said consultations are still ongoing.

“Nothing concrete yet—we are engaging teams, supporters, media, and FAM to determine the best approach,” said Dutt. “Our goal is to uplift the game and connect football digitally.”

The proposed merger signals a new chapter for Malawian football, with stakeholders aiming to unify recognition platforms and amplify the sport’s growing influence.