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Off work now~ Time for chimaek~ Wanna go to Kim Bok-nam~
I'm back here in Lilongwe, Malawi's capital.
It's been about 4 months since last season ended, and I'm back in Malawi — feels good.
Korea's super hot right now, but here it's a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings, nice weather too.
Now all that's left is to get the luggage I brought and make it safely to Chizumulu.
This season, the goal for Chizumulu United, the tier-3 Malawian club I own, is promotion.
Promotion — but you have to finish 1st out of the 15 teams in this season's league to get promoted, so honestly it's a really tough task.
And since we're a team based on Chizumulu island, a small island with a population of about 5,000, there are a lot of extra difficulties in various ways, but
still, last season we finished the league in a pretty good 6th place out of 16 teams, and this season we're aiming even higher.
Still, thinking about it, I feel like I did as much as I could within my ability to help Chizumulu United go higher this season.
For one, we brought our coaches to Korea and had them do about 25 days of training alongside FC Anyang,
and the coaches also traveled around the mainland and signed about 7-8 decent players, so this season a better-quality squad has come together.
The players we used as starters last season all stayed on, and we let go of the bench/reserve players we didn't really use much,
cleared out players whose attitudes were too bad, brought in fresh new players, and now we've put together a 22-man squad.
So we're going to start this season's league based on this squad,
and since there's still a bit of room left, there could also be additional signings mid-season.
Today's Monday, July 6th, and this Friday, July 10th, is Chizumulu United's 26/27 season opener.
This season we're starting the league at home against a team called Chihame All Stars, based in Nkhata Bay,
and our home record was really good last season too (13 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) — hope we can keep that up this season...
Honestly, right now I feel a lot of pressure, and I'm really nervous too — it feels like that's outweighing the excitement.
Because you subscribers have shown so much interest and love, and all the various sponsors in Korea, and the fans who came to our fan meetup — so many people gave us such huge strength — so I feel like I need to live up to that,
and that feeling's strong in me, and I'm sure it's strong in the coaches too — this season, Chizumulu
United's journey — I don't know how it'll turn out, but let's enjoy it together.
The way of getting there is the same as last season — from here to Nkhata Bay port,
about a 6-hour drive, then from there we'll board the big Ilala ferry, which runs once a week, to get to Chizumulu island.
All together, you can think of it as taking about 10 hours total.
But the boat's timing isn't fixed — it usually departs around 8pm, but that shifts around a lot.
So it's 9am right now, and I'm heading out a bit early so I can wait with time to spare.
Let's head to Chizumulu island with the luggage I brought.
Almost at Nkhata Bay port.
As it happens, our team doctor Benedicto and one of our players, Expert, were out on the mainland, so they're going to help me and we're going to ride the boat into Chizumulu together.
(Nkhata Bay)
Welcome back, boss.
(Decided to wait at the guesthouse for a bit until boat time)
(Heard the players are short on mattresses, so bought one)
Today's first meal — Malawian-style chicken and rice, tasting it for the first time in a while.
How's the taste~
There's no way this isn't good.
(Benedicto ate with me too)
The Ilala ferry, visible way off in the distance.
Coming to Nkhata Bay port like this, it finally hits me that I'm really back in Malawi.
Actually Lilongwe is way more developed compared to here,
(Bought tickets at the ticket office — upper-deck fare, about 10,000 won per person)
There's so much luggage I probably won't be able to film the way there properly.
I'm carrying the mattress, and the other two are each carrying one bag.
(First you have to board this small boat and approach the big one)
(Approaching)
Climbing aboard.
(No room to even set foot in the boat's lower deck)
So we made it up onto the Ilala okay — climbing up was rough, but once you're up here it's fine, it's gotten really comfortable up here.
Ever since the price went up, so as you can see,
downstairs is packed with people, but up here there's nobody — the price difference is pretty big.
Downstairs is 9,000 kwacha, and up here it's 24,000 kwacha — almost a 3x difference,
so think of it like downstairs is about 4,000 won and up here is about 10,000 won.
For a Korean this would just be 'eh, I'll pay a bit more and ride for 10,000,' but here that's a really big difference in money, so
almost everyone rides downstairs.
It's 6:46 right now, and departure will probably be around 8 or so.
We'll arrive past midnight, so we've got about another five or six hours to endure here before we can reach Chizumulu.
(Too cold, so hunkered down in a corner wrapped in a blanket)
We don't get off until 1am — no matter how many times I do this, it's never easy.
Even wrapped up tight in a blanket, it's still cold.
(Pushing forward through the crowd and luggage)
(A boat from our accommodation came out and was waiting for us)
Breaking: The Road to Chizumulu remains rough in 2026 too.
Coach Mcfallen: Welcome, boss, welcome.
(The next morning)
So I'm back in Chizumulu like this — it's Tuesday now,
and the match is Friday, so there's only 3 days left,
and there's a ton to do.
It's going to be really busy for these 3 days,
and I'll capture exactly what we do on video.
We need to shoot pre-season profile photos of the players, sign contracts too,
then there's a lot of stuff to submit to the association too,
and we need to have meetings with the coaches several times too,
so I think the next 3 days are going to be pretty chaotic in a lot of ways.
This is the space I sleep in on Chizumulu island — I'm going to clear out this bed,
and turn this place into a proper Chizumulu office — using it as our office space during the day, and I'll sleep here at night.
So kindly, the owner of this guesthouse, who's in Sweden, said just use it for free, they won't take rent, so I can gratefully use it however I like.
So I'm going to put a desk in, put a chair in, set it up like this.
But as you know, since this is an island, it's not that easy.
So I have to ask a carpenter to make the desk, make the chair too, it's a bit of that kind of situation.
Having a space really matters, because when I come to Chizumulu island, I don't have anywhere to work either,
and the coaches and manager don't really have a workspace either.
So we just end up roughly working out of the manager's house or something,
so having this will probably be better for meetings and things too.
(This season we brought a sponsor wall printed with logos of all our grateful sponsors)
(A meeting with coach Robert and manager Mcfallen from the morning)
(Assistant coach Mackson is away for 2 weeks in Mzuzu, the capital of the Northern Region, for university classes)
This season we're also planning Man of the Match, Monthly MVP, and Goal of the Month awards.
(Finished discussing what needs to be done before matchday)
Mcfallen: How are your mom and grandma doing?
They're both doing well.
Haha, but my grandma cried the day I left for Malawi.
This time?? Why?
She knows it's hard here, so she said she wished I wouldn't go.
Compared to Korea it's a huge difference — everything's different.
How was it, having been to Korea for that while?
I was gradually getting used to the environment in Korea, so it did take a bit of time to readjust to being back here,
but this is our home, and I'm back in our everyday life.
How's Tania (daughter) doing?
She loved the toys so much (my mom packed them when I left).
Like a little raindrop, haha.
(Bought bananas for a quick breakfast)
They're about 200 won each.
A really excellent breakfast.
Here in Chizumulu, there's almost no fruit besides bananas.
Bananas, then there's tomatoes — I think that's about all there is for vegetables you can eat raw.
Good morning, good to see you.
(Moster, who newly joined as our media manager this time)
(Had him shoot some Instagram photos during preseason, and he did a pretty great job)
The photos were really good, yeah.
My name is Moster Nkoma, and I live here in Chizumulu.
I take photos, and I also burn CDs, moving music or movies from my PC onto other people's phones or USB drives.
Q: How does it feel to be joining Chizumulu this season?
I'm ready, and I'm happy to be part of it.
Thanks to you, I think I'll keep learning bit by bit this season.
I never thought I'd be doing this kind of work — I thought I'd just be doing small jobs around the village.
I want to do my best work with this camera.
This is our newly joined media manager, a guy named Moster.
Last season Robert kind of had to handle the camera and all that too,
and Robert already has way too much on his plate, so we couldn't have him handling the camera this season on top of everything,
so we found this guy Moster, who runs a small photo studio here locally, and brought him on to join our team this season.
He'll take photos, film videos too, and I'm going to entrust him with a lot of different things.
Since he's joining as media, I figured he'd need a better phone, so I brought one from Korea (same budget Galaxy A17 as the coaches').
Wow.
Thank you, thank you.
What's wrong!
Mcfallen: He must be really happy.
Thank you, thank you.
You need a better phone to sync it up with the camera.
Hold on a second.
(Seeing him so happy made me feel great too)
So that's how we met Moster too, and now, ahead of this season, I'm going to reveal the gear I brought.
Ahead of the new season, cleats prepared by Puma, our jerseys, and a lot more is going to be revealed,
and I hope this becomes motivation that helps us get off to a good start this season.
I'm nervous with excitement about meeting the new players, and seeing our existing players again after a while.
(Our first team meeting together)
Good afternoon, everyone.
Some of you I'm meeting for the first time, and some already know each other, but
I'm happy to be back in Chizumulu and starting the new season.
For the new players, let me introduce myself — my name is Rigo.
I'm from Korea, and I'm the owner of Chizumulu United.
I only know a little Chichewa, so please bear with me.
(A very short self-introduction in Chichewa)
Still, the kind players clapped for me anyway...
I welcome all of you who are joining us for the season ahead,
(Mcfallen translated for me)
This is a really important season for Chizumulu United.
It's going to decide whether we just keep staying where we are, or whether we can go far.
I believe our team has huge potential.
Korean people are going to watch every single match we play this season.
If we can show them that we're changing and developing, they'll cheer for us a lot.
But if we just stay stagnant, the same as last season, that interest will gradually cool off.
What I want to say is, we're all in the same boat as Chizumulu — me, the coaches, the staff, all of us — let's work hard this season, together.
Mcfallen: We've got a lot of new players, let's take some time for introductions.
(Fullback Manto Kamanga, taking over as Chizumulu's captain this season)
(Center-back Allan Mlongola, newly appointed vice-captain)
Kumbukani 'Banya' Chibaka. Joseph Banda. Steven Phiri. Benjamin Nyirenda. Laban Longwe. Emmanuel Mkandawire.
(A word from the captain)
What I want to say to the chairman is, thank you for everything you've done for us, and welcome back to Malawi.
Thank you.
Today we'll reveal the gear I brought, sign all the new season contracts, and take all the new season profile photos too.
(Cleats kindly provided by Puma)
These are the cleats sponsored by Puma.
The biggest round of applause yet.
This is a different type from last season — I brought a short-stud version that's good for playing on dry ground. If it's rainy we'll use the long-stud ones we used before.
This is the new season's jersey. We put a big map of Chizumulu island on it.
This season's main sponsor is a Korean brand, and they've helped us so much — we need to be grateful.
Shout out to Kim Bok-nam Beer.
This season there's also numbers and names on the back.
(We're the only team in the league with names printed on the jersey)
(Goalkeeper jersey)
Changing clothes.
(Tackle pants worn under the shorts, provided by FC Anyang)
(Socks provided by PIRO)
(Handed out all the cleats matching the sizes we'd collected)
(For upkeep, these cleats can only be worn during training and matches, and are collected back the rest of the time)
Captain Manto interview: How does it feel going into the new season?
As captain there's a huge task ahead of me, but I think if I listen well to what the coaches say, things will work out.
What's happening right now is unprecedented for this island.
Whatever happens, whatever situation comes up this season, my vision and plan is 1st place.
Any last thing you want to say?
I want to give thanks to the sponsors.
This is the best thing to happen in Chizumulu's history.
The players are going to sign contracts, they got cleats, my name Manto is printed on my back like this — this is amazing, thank you.
(Finished the players' profile shoot well too)
(Robert explained all the contract terms)
(This season all players will receive a modest monthly salary and win bonuses)
Midfielder Charles didn't get his profile photo taken today,
one of his eyes is completely swollen — apparently he hit it on a door somewhere and it swelled up.
So I asked if he was fine without going to the hospital,
but he ended up going to the nearby hospital.
So if it hasn't healed by the time we go away, we'll probably go to a hospital there too.
His right eye is all swollen up.
So we finished up well with the players' contracts like that.
We need to finish registering the players with FIFA before the match,
but there's a bit of a problem with that right now, so I went and talked to the association about it.
The players started training at 1:30.
It's about 1:40 now, so let's hurry to the pitch to watch the players train.
Anyway, we learned so many different things at Anyang.
Manto told me earlier that a lot has changed,
so let's go see for ourselves how much has changed and how they're training.
Of course I've gotten updates through photos and videos a few times, but seeing it in person is really different.
(Chizumulu's home ground, Chitheko Community Ground)
There's a tactics board like this too,
and we're still borrowing a net right now, so when training like this there's no net,
I meant to buy one this trip so we could hang it for every training session, but I happened to arrive in Lilongwe on a Sunday and the shops were closed,
and then Monday was a holiday too, so I couldn't buy one.
So after this match I'm going to go back to Lilongwe and get this net, along with various other supplies.
We don't have a proper speaker to use at the ground, so I'll buy a speaker too,
and that tarp we put up around the pitch for home matches, we've been borrowing that from someone else and using it every time.
Of course the best thing would be to install proper facilities like this at the ground, but we don't have the funds for that right now, so
for now I'll buy a decent tarp and put it up widely around the ground like this on matchday.
I'm also going to get a fan to put in our accommodation-slash-office.
So there's a ton to do, and I'm planning to head straight back down to Lilongwe right after the home match. (Spoiler: this plan fails)
The warm-up, a familiar taste.
What training session are you planning today?
A tactical combination drill.
(Robert's in charge of the goalkeeping side)
The goalkeeping side definitely seems like it needs some kind of fix.
Since we train on bare ground, diving and things like that are hard, so I think this trip to Lilongwe I should buy a mat or something.
Explaining the drill.
(Attacking tactics drill)
This is the same style of training I saw at Anyang.
Honestly I'd worried they might just keep doing everything the old way, but
seeing it today, thankfully the training itself seems to have changed,
and they're keeping to the schedule properly too,
and the fact that the manager and coaches know what training to run today — I think that alone shows a lot of progress.
Of course whether that shows up immediately in match results is a different question.
One of the most important things we learned at Anyang was that training needs to recreate scenes that will actually come up during a match.
And recreating the kind of situations that come up while attacking, like this, is a drill I saw a lot at Anyang, so seeing it done like this here too is really great.
It feels good.
(Also ran set-piece training)
(Wrapped up a solid session with cool-down exercises)
(The lineup's changed but the vibe's still the same)
(The L Choice ankle guards they always wear even during training)
Watched training well, it's about 3:40 now, and I still haven't eaten today, so I came to get food.
It's going to be a late lunch-slash-dinner.
Egg, tomato, vegetables, and nsima.
If you're not careful it spills over, so you have to pour it in gently.
Nsima, tasting it for the first time in a while.
You have to shape it in your hand and mold it like this to eat it.
Maybe it's because I'm hungry, but the nsima is actually delicious — is that because it's been a while since I had it?
This place is good.
Q: Was there anything difficult about transplanting what you learned in Korea over here?
If I start with what wasn't easy,
football here and football in Korea are different.
Korea is more developed than here,
and the hardest thing is the football IQ level of players at this level.
Here, players don't really start proper football until they're 19, 20.
In Korea they start understanding football from age 8, 9.
But it's okay, everyone's understanding it little by little.
Han Ga-ram had already taught a bit little by little last season, so transplanting some sessions was actually pretty easy.
I hope almost everything changes this season compared to last.
It's the next morning.
Today, having a meeting with the coaches in the morning and then training, and the day will fly by.
Today's Wednesday and the match is Friday, so there's Thursday and Friday left, 2 days — so I think matchday prep needs to be pretty intense.
This is the bathroom, but there's no water — it's been 2 days since I got here,
and the water's only come on for maybe two or three hours somewhere in the middle, that's about it.
So if you don't time it right, showering and everything else is basically impossible.
So I'm going to just wash my face and shave quickly with bottled water.
This is Chizumulu.
The one skincare product I've ever gotten a sponsorship for... Blanc Nature Acne Cleansing Foam.
Good.
Being able to handle shaving with it too all at once — that's the real trick here in Chizumulu.
Breakfast: a doughnut called mandazi, and tea.
(Just add hot water, powdered milk, tea powder, and sugar, and it's done)
The doughnut tastes like it's been left outside for 3 days, but dip it in the tea and it's edible.
Beside me, the two coaches are deep in tactical discussion.
(Registration wasn't going through, the Northern regional football association wasn't helping properly, so the Malawi FA stepped in to help...) Now I just need to gather all the players' IDs and league registration forms and submit them.
(This was the first season all player registration moved to a digital system, so it was total chaos)
Gotta eat though — today's lunch is another feast.
Seems like they made one or two extra side dishes because I'm here.
This is soy meat, it's light and delicious.
One of the cheaper ways to eat 'meat' here is this soy meat.
The nsima tastes better than before, doesn't it?
Guess I'm getting used to it too.
(Training again today)
Last season we really had a lot of ankle injuries,
but thanks to L Choice, one of this season's sponsors, everyone's wearing these ankle guards from the very start of the season, whether it's a match or training.
So thanks to that, all the players are going through preseason injury-free and full of energy.
(Nailing work yesterday, to make the poles we bought sturdy)
In Malawi, at this low level of football, there's no proper facility to enclose the ground with, so what you do is plant poles of a decent size at set intervals around the pitch like this, and tie big tarps, about 4m tall, sewn together across them, covering the ground so anyone outside who hasn't paid admission can't see in.
You could just not charge admission and leave it open, but
looking at it this season, apparently league regulations require you to cover it all, so
to meet the regulations, we're going to cover the ground,
last season we just borrowed the poles and the covering tarps from a local person here, and gave them a cut of the match revenue in return,
but this year we're not doing that, we're just going to buy better poles and better tarps ourselves, cover the ground ourselves, and keep the full match revenue for ourselves.
Even so, our revenue per match doesn't even come to a few tens of thousands of won.
Because admission is only about 400 won in Korean money.
I think the real point of it is just upgrading the ground's facilities even a little.
I got all the poles here in Chizumulu, but since there's no tarp available here in Chizumulu, we have to source it from the mainland,
so starting from the next match we'll wrap it with newly bought tarp, and for this match we decided to just borrow it for now.
(Training was in full swing again today, when)
(Suddenly a call from an association staff member)
The Chambo boat cancelled its sailing today — so the other small boats aren't coming either?
Yeah, I'm at the port right now, none of the other boats are running either.
The Chihame team's ready, but there's no boat to get on.
So right now they can't get to Chizumulu at all? / Yeah.
Here we go again, right from the first match — local leaders were supposed to come to our first match, even the MP who's also the deputy minister of health,
but this isn't a problem with the opposing team, it's not their fault at all — it's a problem with Malawi itself.
It's looking quite likely our next match, against Chihame, won't happen normally on Friday and will get postponed.
I was planning to have the match this Friday, fly to Lilongwe on Saturday, buy supplies, edit, and get the video up quickly — but this is a really unfortunate situation now.
Coach Mac, head hanging low.
So what do we do — apparently they just can't come this time.
Because the Chambo isn't sailing.
Did you hear what Asante said? The Chambo cancelled its sailing, so there's a 99% chance our match gets postponed.
This is going to drag on forever.
Robert, who prepared everything for Friday and now, with this sudden turn, wants to deny reality.
No, no, no, no.
This season the league's name changed — a new sponsor came on board, and it's now called the Chiwemi Investment NRFA League One,
but yeah, the things that keep happening are the same as ever, not easy.
Azungu! Azungu! (meaning 'foreigner')
The next morning, at Chitheko Community Ground,
repair work on the ground is in full swing right now.
Since our home matches are coming up soon, the school here has voluntarily sent people out, and local residents have come out too, digging out stones and doing this kind of leveling work.
(Seeing even the students come out to help, I really felt a sense of responsibility from everyone)
The association got Chihame's side to agree — they'll come to Chizumulu next Monday and play the match on Tuesday.
Just heard, thankfully it's not pushed back too much, they're saying let's do it next Tuesday.
Come in on the Ilala next Monday and play it Tuesday, they're saying,
but the problem is I'd already booked a flight to Lilongwe for Saturday.
I think I need to rework my schedule again. (In the end I ate the cost of the plane ticket and stayed on the island)
Same day, afternoon.
Even though it's technically winter right now, it's really hot during the day.
This is the Southern Hemisphere, so June, July, August is winter, but even so, Chizumulu here is really hot.
Places like the capital Lilongwe or Mzuzu, the capital of the Northern Region, are pretty high in altitude, so they're cool in winter and not this stuffy even in summer, but
Chizumulu here is really low in altitude, and the island's basically all rock, so I think it's probably one of the hottest places in Malawi.
But then again, mornings and evenings are cool.
And with the match pushed to Tuesday, and me deciding not to go back to Lilongwe after all, I've actually gotten a bit more breathing room.
Here in Chizumulu, today I'm going to catch up on some of the backed-up FIFA registration work, rework the schedule going forward, and get some rest.
Eating a tomato too.
Chizumulu tomatoes, top pick.
The league registration forms the players filled out by hand, I have to enter them all into the system myself.
Saturday, 3 days before our opener,
I taught our media manager Moster how to handle the various cameras — the match camera and the camera we already use,
and I'm planning to have him film the coaches' training sessions too.
(Moster's going to manage this highlight camera too)
(Installed the camera management app and showed him how to use it too)
(Also taught him how to use the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera and the mic)
(Thankfully he picked it up really fast)
(With the extra time we got, we kept focusing on training)
Since Mackson's not here, Robert has to fill in for Mackson's role too right now, so he can't just focus purely on the goalkeepers.
But he still seems to be doing a good job.
Watching training these past few days, seeing the two of them struggling through it like this is a bit heartbreaking too.
(A trick free-kick drill)
Benjamin pretends to shoot, gives it to Harry to finish.
Tinashe's saving it well.
Benjamin pretends to shoot~ gives it to Harry to finish.
Today's rice, tomato, egg, vegetables.
(A meeting the night before the match)
Breakfast at 8, lunch at 12, and at 1:30, the meeting with both teams, the referees, and the match commissioner — let's have Robert attend that one.
I said 1:30, not 2, for a reason — if I say 2, these guys will show up at 2:30.
Wow, you've really mastered our culture now.
Matchday, 6:30 in the morning, and maybe because I'm nervous,
I didn't sleep too well.
Since I couldn't sleep, I did 10 laps around the pitch,
and decided to have a good breakfast.
The night before a match we always have all the players sleep together at the manager's house for team bonding.
The players must all be at the manager's house right now — let me exercise a bit on my own, then go eat well with them.
Did some light jogging, and walked alongside some chickens too.
Still, 10 laps and I worked up a sweat.
Good morning.
What's this?
Opos? (Goat intestine?) / Yeah.
Not an easy sight.
Is this good? / Yeah, very good.
Lunch is goat, and we prepared goat to boost the players' morale.
Here they call goat intestine 'opos.'
I never knew you prepped it like that, tying it up in a bundle like this, like dipping it in chojang.
Nothing goes to waste.
(The goat meat's over here)
Cute little stories over a meal.
This morning it's milk and rice.
People here apparently just eat rice alone for breakfast.
This is my first time trying it like this, let me taste it.
Milk and rice —
it tastes like rice.
Rice-eating time — all the players are going to eat rice too.
It's almost noon now, and the match is set to start at 2:30 today.
But I've told our referees and the local match officials to please stick to the time, and I really hope they do.
The notice has already gone out to the away team too, but last season, honestly, the away teams never showed up on time for our home matches.
Because they'd sleep near the ground...
Not sleeping there, they usually sleep over on the other side — so, to make sure we start on time,
I've done everything I possibly can, but I guess we'll just have to see how it goes.
Anyway, let's enjoy today's special goat lunch first.
What's this?
It's a phone.
Yeah, nice.
Amma.
So today, is it 2:30 or 3? / 2:30. / Exactly 2:30? / Yeah.
But I can't be 100% sure...
Enjoy the meal.
(It was so good, having actual meat for the first time in a while)
Had a good lunch.
The goat wasn't like our Korean black goat, not that huge,
Maybe about this size? Roughly the size of my upper body.
Anyway we paid about 40,000 won for one goat, and about 30 people got to eat well and full.
We also had the goat intestine, opos, and it was delicious.
It just tastes like intestine with a bit of a smell,
but I'm fine with offal anyway, so I ate it happily.
The ground, wrapped all around with big tarps.
The ground's not in a fully satisfying state, but the locals put in a lot of effort, so it's staying pretty flat.
Over here there's a sponsor zone with all our season sponsors' names written out.
It's just hung on the poles so it's a bit crude, but
we're still planning to do the post-match interview and the Man of the Match award here.
I really hope it goes well.
Mcfallen switched the tactics from the 4-3-3 he used last season to a 4-2-3-1, after coming back from Korea.
For reference, today's lineup ends up like this.
There's actually quite a lot of new players included.
And since we haven't seen a preseason match this season yet ourselves,
we're excited to see what kind of performance they'll show, and what synergy the new players and existing players will have.
Players who were already doing well, like Benjamin, Dickies, TK — they're still in the starting lineup.
Q: It's finally matchday —
it feels great, since this is the day we've all been waiting for.
Q: I noticed you set up your defensive line entirely with new players.
Today we went with a different formation from last season.
Last season we only used 4-3-3 and 4-4-2,
but this time we're also going to try a 4-2-3-1.
The reason we swapped out the center-backs entirely compared to last season is,
it's because of physicality and aerial duels.
That's also because when we attack we need to line up as a back three.
Q: Any new player worth watching?
Among the new players, Joseph.
He's good at marking and strong in the air,
his kicking ability is good too,
his positioning's good, he's good all-around.
Any last thing you want to say?
I'm really happy.
A lot has changed in training since going to Korea,
I want to tell the fans not to worry.
I believe we can achieve our goal.
(The Chizumulu players hyping themselves up before the match)
Even with a lot of new players joining, it's still the same vibe.
(The Northern Region FA's match commissioner)
So is the match today at 2:30 or 3?
Let's start at 3 — the pre-match meeting with Chihame is running 30 minutes late.
Got it, I'll get ready based on 3 o'clock.
Our league is really behind when it comes to time management.
We pushed hard, so the referees and the commissioner and such,
those people all showed up, but Chihame still hasn't arrived, even though we sent the notice.
So in the end, instead of 2:30, we decided to start at 3.
So I think we can start our warm-up a bit later too.
It's about 1:30 right now, and since we haven't started training yet, I guess you could call that lucky.
(Sorting out jerseys for the match)
Ooh.
(Coach Mackson's son)
Where'd you get this?
Dad gave it to me.
(A scarf a fan gave us when we went to Suwon World Cup Stadium...)
Moster, already good at setting up the camera.
(Filling out the match record sheet)
Emmanuel Mkandawire, 9. Charles Deya, 10.
(2:35)
Kickoff's at 3, and it's 2:35 and they still haven't arrived.
No matter how much we stress it beforehand, nothing changes.
So we're the only ones warming up properly before the match.
(Chizumulu's die-hard fans)
Still, to their credit, they show up 20 minutes before kickoff.
Let me quickly explain Chihame All Stars.
Last season, away from home, we created so many decisive chances but missed them all, and lost narrowly 2-1,
and at home, which I didn't see myself, we drew 1-1.
So they're one of only two teams we failed to beat last season.
So they're definitely not an opponent to underestimate, but
let's get a solid first win.
Final tactical briefing.
With captain Manto and vice-captain Allan both on the bench, today the armband goes to midfielder Gundo. (Named Gundo because he likes Gündoğan)
(Players entering)
(Moster's going to be taking photos like this from now on)
(Chizumulu's 26/27 season journey begins)
Chizumulu vs Chihame All Stars kicks off.
This is the first time my heart's been racing right from kickoff.
This feels like the most nerve-wracking match I've watched.
We did so many different things — I'm curious whether it'll pay off, how it'll turn out.
I really hope it goes well.
(Chizumulu pressing hard from the start)
(Joseph Banda showing bold play)
(Chizumulu pinning the opponent back and dominating early)
About 5 minutes in, and so far it's been us attacking non-stop.
The atmosphere's great, and so far it's clear we're playing much better.
Whoa.
Banya, nice one.
(Left-back Laban Longwe was impressive too)
(A shocking opening goal from Dickies Nyirenda)
(Footage shot by Moster)
Dickies, what are you doing.
While playing at a local club, he happened to catch Mackson's eye while he was watching a match, and got offered a spot at Chizumulu United.
(Match resumes)
(The referee suddenly stops the match)
A hydration break, haha.
Guess even Malawi's tier 3 does cooling breaks.
What is this?
Following trends, huh?
What's a bit reassuring is that our level just seems way better.
Against Chihame — since Chihame also finished mid-table last season, they're not a team to completely underestimate, but seeing us clearly playing well is really encouraging, and it's helping calm my nerves a bit.
(Hydration break ends)
(Benjamin's unfortunate big-chance miss) Benjamin completely, totally missed a huge chance.
Wow...
Mcfallen said earlier that Joseph Banda's good, and he really does stand out the most among the new signings.
The center-backs have definitely been upgraded.
(Chihame's first attack in a while)
(Joseph blocks a goal with good positioning)
That's a foul? That's a foul??
Honestly it's better for the refs to be strict with us than to get a reputation for favoring us.
In the league there's a rumor that referees favor Chizumulu, but they didn't favor us last season either.
So honestly I think it's better this way, being strict with us.
Chizumulu's attack keeps coming.
All of it going wide...
Please, just once, help us out.
(Right before the end of the first half)
(Chihame converted one of their few chances straight into a goal)
Mcfallen: It's okay, it's okay.
We dominated the whole time and then Chihame gets one chance and scores it, argh.
Can't be helped. Can't be helped.
First half ends right after.
Looks like he's giving feedback on the conceded goal.
Gundo scraped his hand, so he's got a wrist guard on.
(Right-back Ronald Ndalama out, center-back Allan Mlongola in)
(Allan takes over the armband)
We took off right-back Ronald Ndalama and brought on our vice-captain, center-back Allan Mlongola.
He's a player who basically carried our defense last season — he's really serious, has leadership, and is one of the players whose attitude I really like, so I'm going to trust him.
Looks like Robert, who was originally a center-back, is moving to right-back.
(Second half starts)
European-style start.
Honestly this season the process needs to be good, but the result matters too, so I'm nervous.
(Winger Kumbukani Banya out, winger Harry Barton in)
Kumbukani Banya, who came off, is also a newly signed winger, and he had a pretty good showing today too, if it weren't for the fact that no goal came off it.
He did well on the wing, and now Harry Barton, who performed well on the wing last season, comes on.
(The momentum stayed good in the second half too)
(With no goal coming, the substitution tactics keep coming)
Midfielder Steve looked a bit tired, so he was subbed off right away.
Charles fighting through injury.
(Vice-captain Allan booked)
(After a good pass from Charles, TK's unfortunate touch)
The goal just won't open up.
Meanwhile, Joseph staying steady.
(Chizumulu capitalizes on the opposing keeper's error and takes the lead again)
Please, save us — my lifespan's shrinking in real time.
(The referee calls an attacker's foul here)
Mareef (how you call out to a referee in Malawi).
Won over the ladies nearby by yelling 'Mareef.'
(Riding that momentum, 3-1)
Saved...
The second goal was in the 76th minute, and this one was the 78th.
This one's Dickies, right? / Yeah.
Making it 3-1 in just 2 minutes — it's not over yet, but now I can finally relax a little.
The players should be able to play with more confidence too.
We played well, but with it staying 1-1, since last season we lost plenty of matches even while playing well.
Damn, Dickies.
Joseph, still solid at the back.
Joseph Banda is nuts — he's really good, isn't he?
The monster defender from Nkhata Bay.
Amazing every single time you watch him.
Clearing it like that with an overhead kick, on this dirt-and-sand ground.
Dickies looks like he's bulking up.
Bringing on our captain and defender Manto and winger Daniel Scuka to lock the match down.
(Another somewhat physical match today)
(Both teams fighting hard right to the end)
(In the end the match finishes 3-1 to Chizumulu)
(Team photo)
Chizumulu United, after the win.
Who's Man of the Match?
I was thinking of two.
Joseph Banda and Dickies.
For me it's 1st Joseph, then Dickies.
Wait, how'd you even bring in Joseph, man?
Passing through Mzimba, way out in the countryside, we had a friendly, and that's where we found him.
Seeing the Chizumulu kids so happy... it was good...
I want to praise the spirit Charles Deya showed today — he didn't let his condition hold him back and fought for the Chizumulu United badge today. That's the spirit we need — we have to fight.
Today I can only be grateful.
I saw everyone give it their all today, and I'm proud.
Thank you.
Let's keep this momentum going through Sunday.
MOM's usually just one person, but today I can't help picking two.
First, Joseph Banda.
And Dickies Nyirenda.
(This season's Man of the Match award is sponsored by D.EPO)
(Decided to pay out the win bonus right away, for motivation)
(Charles, who fought hard despite the injury)
Since it was our first match there was a bit of a mix-up — we shouldn't have taken it down there, we should've just waited, but the workers went ahead and tore it down, so we just set up something temporary here instead.
Anyway, we finished up today's Man of the Match award.
We dominated in performance too, and winning 3-1 feels great, thankfully.
(Joseph Banda interview) You had a really good performance today —
I feel amazing, and it gave me a lot of motivation.
It was great to be able to apply what I learned here directly in the match.
Q: Do you feel your performance has improved since coming to Chizumulu?
I feel like every part of my life is changing,
and he says he's adapting well to this league.
What's the difference between Malawi's tier 3 and the league you played in before?
In the league I played in before, I just ran because I was told to,
but here it's a league that needs experience and football IQ.
Anything else you want to say?
I'm grateful for everything given to us to motivate us.
There's no reason we can't play well when we're given this much motivation.
Thank you.
Dickies' goal was insane.
How'd he do that, is he Messi or what.
That's me for you.
Q: The next away match is coming up soon —
I think we can pick up 3 points away too.
This season the players are doing exactly what the coaches tell them.
Last season, there were a lot of cases where they'd learn something and just not do it.
Anything you want to say?
Personally I really want to get to tier 2, the NDL.
I want to go toward that goal hand in hand with my teammates,
and to achieve this goal we really have to work hard.
Thank you.
How does the first win feel?
Happy.
The players all gave it their best.
The first 20 minutes we played well, but we ended up conceding because of a communication issue between the center-backs.
But after talking it through at halftime it got better, and we were able to win a really important match.
I can picture how happy the Korean fans will be.
I can't see them smiling, but I can feel it.
So we finished the first match well, 3-1.
Came back and I'm downloading the footage now.
It takes at least 5-6 hours.
So I just plug it in and let it download like this,
and once it's sent to the server from there, I download it and put together highlights like this.
So grateful today.
Honestly we went all the way to Korea and put in so much effort, and if we hadn't won the first home match,
the blow to us would've been huge, so personally I was really worried,
but the performance was really good, and it showed up in the result too, which is great.
Since this match was delayed, there isn't a long gap until the next one.
Today's Tuesday, and right on Sunday we have to face a team called Mafu Stars, based in Nkhata Bay.
This team used to be called Simbowe Stars last year, but they changed their name.
To Mafu Stars.
This behind-the-scenes bit was filmed last month...
You can check it in the monthly Chizumulu video,
but anyway, this Mafu Stars team — last season when we went away there, I even got racially abused by the referee, and the local crowd was really aggressive, drunk people came up and started fights and stuff, it was a really tough away trip, so I hope we go there and crush them decisively.
Ah, and there's one thing I forgot, so I'm quickly filming this right before bed — as soon as this video goes up,
sales of Chizumulu United's 26/27 season jersey will start today.
Forced hype.
You've probably already seen the home jersey a lot, since the players already wore it during the match,
so this here is our away jersey for this season.
Personally I think the away jersey is my favorite of this season's kits.
It's summer now, and the color feels cool and fresh too.
This season's jersey quality has gotten even better than last season's.
This part here is silicone, so the logo's printed on nice and thick,
and starting this season you can also get player names printed on.
So if there's a player you like, or one you just have a feeling about, I think it'd be great to try getting them marked on like this.
And to also introduce the goalkeeper jerseys,
this is the pink home goalkeeper jersey,
and the one mixing sky blue and yellow is the away goalkeeper jersey.
The goalkeeper jerseys can be marked the same way too.
Honestly, prices have gone up a lot in various ways compared to last year,
but D.EPO was kind enough to make a really generous decision,
so if you buy during this pre-order, you can get Chizumulu's 26/27 season jersey at the same price as last season, 54,000 won.
Maybe the design isn't quite to everyone's taste, and maybe having Kim Bok-nam Beer smack in the middle feels like a lot for some of you, but
I'd really appreciate it if you could look on it kindly...
I have to take the Chambo boat at 5am tomorrow and head back to the mainland, so I'm going to go to sleep now.
So, thank you sincerely for watching today's video too, and I'll be back next time with another interesting one.
Thank you.

Original

Live Together or Die Together — The Fateful Season Opener of Malawi's Tier 3

2026-07-18 · Changbakgol

Watch on YouTube

Fresh off the Korea trip, the chairman makes the long ferry journey back to Chizumulu Island to prep the squad for the 26/27 season opener against Chihame All Stars — new contracts, new kit, a ferry cancellation that nearly postpones the match, and a 3-1 win to open the promotion push.

View Summary

The chairman returns to Chizumulu after the Korea trip and dives straight into preseason: signing new players, handing out Puma boots and the new Kim Bok-nam Beer-sponsored kit, running the squad through FC Anyang-style tactical drills, and setting up a proper office and matchday setup with the gear brought back from Korea. Days before the season opener against Chihame All Stars, the Chambo ferry cancels its crossing and strands the opposing team on the mainland, forcing a postponement that costs the chairman his own return flight. Once the match finally goes ahead, new signing Joseph Banda and in-form striker Dickies Nyirenda power Chizumulu to a 3-1 win, kicking off the promotion push on the right foot.

#vlog#chihame-all-stars#season-opener#behind-the-scenes

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