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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has expressed renewed optimism in the country’s football development following the official unveiling of French national, Yvon Avry, as the new Technical Director.

The association believes Avry’s arrival marks a decisive step toward building a stronger technical foundation for both youth structures and elite football.

Speaking at Mpira Village in Blantyre, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya said the organisation is confident that meaningful progress in football can only be achieved when the right technical personnel are in place.

He emphasised that Avry’s appointment reaffirms FAM’s long-term vision of strengthening grassroots football and aligning its developmental programmes with modern global standards.

Haiya noted that Malawi’s football growth narrative has reached a stage where technical leadership must be driven by expertise, consistency and a clear development pathway.

He stressed that Avry brings exactly that, describing him as a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of African football dynamics and youth development systems.

The FAM president also paid tribute to outgoing Technical Director Benjamin Kumwenda, acknowledging his commitment and passion for nurturing Malawi’s football talent at various levels.

Haiya said Kumwenda laid an important foundation that Avry is expected to build upon as the country pushes for improved competitiveness in local and international football.

In his remarks, Avry said he is entering the role with confidence, citing his vast experience in African football environments.

He noted that Malawi already has a strong football culture and his mandate will focus on organising and modernising structures to ensure that talent is identified early and developed systematically.

Avry said he does not intend to overhaul the entire system but rather work with existing strengths within Malawi’s football setup.

He highlighted coaching education, youth training programmes and talent scouting as immediate priority areas that require strategic support to unlock the country’s full potential.

The Frenchman also indicated that he will collaborate closely with local coaches across the country, saying capacity building remains central to sustainable football development.

According to him, empowering coaches at district and regional levels will create a solid base for producing well-trained players capable of competing internationally.

The post Malawi FA banks on Avry’s expertise to transform football future appeared first on The Maravi Post.

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Vice President Jane Ansah on Friday emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting households facing food shortages during the lean season in the Northern Region.

Speaking at Kavitowe Primary School in Mzimba, where the 2025/26 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme was rolled out, Ansah highlighted the importance of proactive measures to mitigate hunger and ensure that communities have access to adequate food supplies, particularly in areas prone to seasonal food insecurity.

“The government is fully committed to supporting our most vulnerable families during this critical period,” Ansah said. “We must act early and decisively to reduce the impact of food shortages and strengthen resilience within our communities.”

Implemented under the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), the programme forms part of a wider government strategy to enhance food security and provide timely assistance to households at risk.

Community members and local leaders attending the event expressed optimism that the programme would deliver support where it is most needed and stabilize livelihoods during the lean season.

The rollout marks the beginning of coordinated efforts across the Northern Region to distribute food aid and related assistance to affected households, reinforcing the government’s pledge to protect its citizens during periods of scarcity.

The post Veep Ansah pledges strong support for vulnerable families amid Northern Region food shortages appeared first on The Maravi Post.

HARARE – Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was in Harare on Wednesday for exploratory talks with the Zimbabwean government on investments worth more than US$1 billion, saying he was encouraged by economic reforms under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Dangote, whose fortune is estimated at about US$30 billion, met Mnangagwa and signed a framework investment agreement with the government.

He previously visited Zimbabwe in 2015 and 2018, expressing interest in cement production and energy projects, but nothing materialised from those trips.

There are quite a lot of changes,” Dangote told reporters. “Now the government is solid. There is a lot of transparency. Also, when you look at what His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) has done in terms of turning the economy around, that really gave us the confidence that this is the right time for us to come and invest.

“We have signed an agreement between Zimbabwe and Dangote Group to do various investments in various sectors, some of which are in cement, some in power generation, some in a pipeline to bring petroleum products.

“We are in the business of producing oil. We have the largest refinery in the world and a couple of other investments which we are looking at. It is a broad investment, really, in hundreds of millions of dollars, maybe even up to a billion. But really, it will be over a billion because of the pipeline.”

Presidential spokesman George Charamba said the discussions were exploratory and no specific project deals were concluded on Wednesday.

“What was signed was a global agreement which may pave the way to investments of about US$1 billion; no agreement on any specific deal was signed today,” Charamba said.

He described Dangote’s engagement as “inspiring,” highlighting his strong belief in African-led industrialisation and continental self-reliance.

“He was particularly insistent that African capital is key to the development of the continent,” Charamba said. “He debunked the myth of smallness, citing Singapore as an example, and argued that a country is as big as its trade hinterland. Small economies like Zimbabwe can be cheaper sites of production if they think beyond national markets.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery, is currently constructing storage tanks in Namibia to hold at least 1.6 million barrels of petrol and diesel for distribution across southern Africa.

The tanks are expected to supply fuel to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with plans also under consideration to serve southern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Senziwani Sikhosana, the CEO of Bard Santner, which is structuring the investments, and journalist-cum-business adviser Josephine Mahachi accompanied Dangote to his meeting with Mnangagwa.

Dangote left Zimbabwe for Zambia after his meetings in Harare.Post published in: Business

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TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. It’s about to look like Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium up in here … as we bring you this year’s hottest toys of 2025. From Barbies and Labubus to Hot Wheels, gadgets…

The post TMZ Gift Guide: The Top Toys for Holiday 2025 appeared first on The Maravi Post.

The Dancing With the Stars contestants are putting their body on the line as they pull out all the stops each week to get an edge.

Speaking on the Thursday, November 13 episode of her podcast, “Misspelling,” Tori Spelling, 52, questioned if contestant, Robert Irwin, had an unfair advantage.

In Tuesday night’s episode, Robert, 21, and his dance partner Witney Carson nabbed the season’s first perfect score for their foxtrot performance. Robert said the dance was inspired by his sister Bindi’s own season-winning dance back in 2016, when she danced in tribute to the siblings’ late father, Steve Irwin. At the end of Tuesday night’s dance, Robert and Bindi shared an emotional moment on the dance floor.

While discussing the touching moment on her podcast, Spelling wondered if including the dedication was fair to the other contestants.

Robert Irwin Shares What Late Dad Steve Would Think About ‘DWTS’

“You know, I’m a stickler for fairness. Here I go, here we go. So like, Dedication Night, you got to have someone come out with your partner and dance with you. This was reminiscent a bit at the end, Bindi got to come out with Robert and Witney. Is that fair to the rest?” Spelling wondered. “You know, I don’t think so.”

She added that while she believed Robert and Carson deserved their perfect score “even without the Bindi factor,” she pointed out that it could have swayed things in the wildlife warrior’s favor.

“I’m not negating that Robert and Witney, even without the bindi factor, I thought it deserved all 10s. It was flawless. It was fluid. It was everything they have asked him to work on, to do. He was connected. It was gorgeous. Of course, I loved the video of him and his dad and family coming up and then Bindi joining him,” she said, before pointing out, “You know, they got the package with the alligator, like no one else got that.”

 

Robert has previously expressed his gratitude for having his big sister in his corner and shared with Us Weekly in May that he was leaning on her past experience with the show.

“You have no idea how grateful I am to have Bindi, who went through this experience,” he gushed to Us at the time. “Not only did she do Dancing With the Stars, I mean, she won Dancing With the Stars and just was such an incredible shining light. I remember watching [her] on that show just thinking, ‘This is the coolest thing ever.’”

Witney Carson Had ‘Flashbacks’ of Robert Irwin as a Kid in ‘DWTS’ Ballroom

For her part, Bindi, 27, told Us in the same interview that Robert “has way more rhythm and cool factor” than other family members and thought he’d do well on DWTS.

“You can learn to dance, but the genuine passion, dedication, determination that comes from within, and that’s what I think will set you apart, because you genuinely are a really good human,” she told Us. “[Robert is] one of the kindest, most wonderful human beings I’ve ever known. So he’s got this. He has nothing to be worried about.”

She added, “All we have to be worried about is him breaking the internet every week.”

The post Tori Spelling Questions if Robert Irwin’s ‘DWTS’ Moment With Bindi Was ‘Fair’ appeared first on The Maravi Post.

The season 22 fall finale of Grey’s Anatomy had everything from Jo’s premature emergency C-section to surprise hookups and a shocking breakup.

During the Thursday, November 13, episode of the hit ABC series, Jo (Camilla Luddington) and Link (Chris Carmack) were in the hospital after her water broke seven weeks early. Jo wasn’t in labor but she did show signs of possible heart issues, which led to a consolation from Winston (Anthony Hill).

He realized that Jo’s heart muscle was getting weaker and bigger and that would make it difficult for her to carry the twins to full term. Her options were medication and if that didn’t help — a procedure where she would have a pump placed in her chest.

Jo tried the medication but then was forced to go get surgery when her condition worsened. Amid the procedure, Jo’s heart started to fail and no fetal heartbeats were heard for either baby, forcing Winston to perform an emergency C-section. Jo’s fate was unclear and the trailer for the rest of the season hinted at a possible loss.

Every Star Who’s Left ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Where Are They Now?

Elsewhere in the episode, Teddy (Kim Raver) and the kids caught Owen (Kevin McKidd) in bed with Nora (Floriana Lima). Teddy was eventually able to come around to the idea of Owen dating but Nora dumped him because Teddy was her doctor and it was getting too complicated.

Meanwhile, Simone (Alexis Floyd) found herself sharing a good day with former hookup Wes (Trevor Jackson) after they worked a case together. Kwan (Harry Shum Jr.) had the most success in his love life though when a shift with Kavita (Anita Kalathara) led to them making out in the elevator.

Viewers have to wait until January 8 to find out how every story gets concluded. Jo’s severe health scare comes after Link’s near death earlier this season. Fans were originally worried that Grey’s Anatomy would opt for a fictional bloodbath courtesy of the season 21 hospital explosion.

Which ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 22?

“I’ve had conversations with some of the cast, but they all know it’s a Grey’s Anatomy cliffhanger and they know every year they never know what to expect. They’re here for it. They like to keep our stories exciting and fresh,” showrunner Meg Marinis told The Hollywood Reporter in May. “But even in the last two seasons with what you saw this year, we had to reduce the cast a little bit [because of industry-wide budget cuts], and everybody has very passionate feelings about their favorite characters.”

She continued: “But if we can get the writers upset then we know we’re doing it right. It’s not as satisfying a story if people aren’t upset when someone leaves. It’s supposed to make people upset and sad, so I’m sure there’ll be some arguments. But I’ve been persuaded before to change my mind on things.”

Grey’s Anatomy returns to ABC Thursday, January 8, at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

The post ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fall Finale: Pregnant Jo’s Heart Fails Amid Emergency Birth appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Stefon Diggs had his eyes on a cheerleader minutes after Cardi B announced the birth of their son … because he tossed her a football during his NFL game. Cardi took to social media Thursday to announce she had given birth to Stefon’s boy ……

The post Stefon Diggs Tosses Football To Cheerleader Minutes After Cardi B Announces Birth appeared first on The Maravi Post.

The White House is calling the recent trove of Epstein documents a “distraction” as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers call for the full release of the Epstein files. In Charlotte, North Carolina, city leaders and residents are scrambling after last-minute notice that Border Patrol agents could arrive within days. And economists warn the government shutdown left lasting scars on the U.S. economy, from lost wages to missing federal data that may never be recovered.

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By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE–(MaraviPost)-The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has geared up with preparations for the 2025 African Netball tournament by naming a 20-member provisional squad.

The country will host the competition from 8-14 December at the Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex in Lilongwe.

Head coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua has retained several experienced players while introducing promising new faces as part of the team’s rebuilding strategy.

Former Manchester Thunder and current Leeds Rhinos star Joyce Mvula leads the shooting department alongside Florence Jeke and Cynthia Khunga. They are joined by Stella Matelezi and Chimwemwe Dzanja.

In midcourt, Chawinga has called up veterans Takondwa Lwazi, Thandie Galeta and Bridget Kumwenda, along with newcomers Florence Gamuka, Idesi Zechariah and Meria Soko.

The defensive unit features Mphatso Kanyimbo, Shabel Bengo and Martha Dambo, complemented by Chifuniro Moses, Aisha Gama, Tendai Masamba and Grace Chimbiri.

NAM General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa-Kauma revealed the team is expected to begin camping on Sunday.

The Queens last hosted the African Netball tournament in 2013 in Blantyre, where they emerged victorious. Thirteen years later, they will be looking to replicate that feat on home soil.

Besides hosts Malawi, ten other nations will compete: Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Uganda, Lesotho, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania and Botswana.

Peace Chawinga-Kalua will lead the technical panel alongside assistant coach Madano Tepheteya.

Beatrice Mpinganjira serves as fitness trainer, while Trisser Mailosi is the team manager.

The post NAM names squad for 2025 Africa Netball tourney appeared first on The Maravi Post.

….Swearing-in of 30 new councillors marks the beginning of a fresh five-year term

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Blantyre City Council is today set for a decisive election as it chooses a new Mayor at the Civic Centre.

Three Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ward councillors have thrown their hats into the ring, signalling an intense intra-party contest.

The contenders are Isaac Jomo Osman of Bangwe Ntopwa Ward, Eric Mofolo of Mapanga-Mzedi Ward, and Joseph Makwinja of Bangwe Namiyango Ward.

Each of the three councillors has publicly expressed confidence in their leadership capabilities and their desire to steer Blantyre City in a new direction.

The mayoral vote is taking place alongside the swearing-in and oath-taking ceremony for 30 newly elected Blantyre City councillors.

The ceremony marks the beginning of their five-year mandate to serve Malawi’s commercial capital and its residents.

The election of a new Mayor is expected to set the tone for how the council will manage critical issues such as road infrastructure, waste management, security, and service delivery.

Observers note that the race is likely to be tight, given that all three candidates are from the same political party and share similar political constituencies.

The emergence of internal competition is also seen as a test of unity and democratic maturity within the DPP’s local structures.

Residents of Blantyre are watching closely, hoping that the new leadership will bring fresh energy and solutions to the city’s long-standing governance challenges.

The results of today’s election will shape the council’s direction and determine the political atmosphere at the Civic Centre for years to come.

The Maravi Post will provide updates as the election concludes.

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