The Bankers ladies’ high-scoring powerhouse, Deborah Henry stole the show and was the standout performer at the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Annual Football Awards after walking away with four major accolades during the colourful ceremony held at COMESA Hall in Blantyre on Friday night.
Henry scooped the Women’s Player of the Year, NBM Women’s Premiership Player of the Season, and Top Goal Scorer awards, in addition to earning a place in the Women’s Best XI following a remarkable campaign in which she led the scoring charts and played a key role in Silver Strikers’ success.
The ceremony marked the second edition of the FAM Annual Football Awards, which celebrate outstanding performances by players, coaches and officials across competitions administered by the association.
Speaking during the event, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya hailed the awards ceremony as a success and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to celebrating excellence in Malawian football.
“Let me congratulate the event organisers as we have witnessed a well-organised ceremony.
“It was a very successful event and as FAM we are happy with what we have seen. We will come again next year with even more surprises,” said Haiya.
The awards recognised achievements across various competitions including the NBM Women’s Premiership, NBS Bank National Division League, FDH Bank Cup, Castel Challenge Cup and the overall annual awards.
Silver Strikers dominated the nominations with 11 players and technical staff members recognised across several categories, highlighting the club’s strong season across competitions.
The evening also featured live performances from local musicians Malonie Kyz, Theresa Phondo, Qaso and Teddy Makadi, adding entertainment to the celebrations.
Full awards list:
NBM Women’s Premiership Awards
Player of the Season – Deborah Henry
Midfielder of the Season – Leticia Chinyamula
Defender of the Season – Ireen Khumalo
Goalkeeper of the Season – Ireen Sibande
Top Goal Scorer – Deborah Henry
NBS Bank National Division League Awards
Player of the Season – Raheem Mtondera
Midfielder of the Season – Mphatso Magaleta
Defender of the Season – Zikhole Ngulube
Top Goal Scorer – Raheem Mtondera
Best Goalkeeper – Omary Hamis
FDH Bank Cup Awards
Player of the Tournament – Blessings Singini
Goalkeeper of the Tournament – George Chikooka
Discovery of the Tournament – Dave Juwawo
Top Goal Scorers – Babatunde Adepoju, Dave Juwawo
Castel Challenge Cup Awards
Player of the Tournament – Maxwell Gasten Phodo
Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Innocent Nyasulu
Discovery of the Tournament – Alex Msiska
Top Goal Scorer – Maxwell Gasten Phodo
2025 Men’s Awards
Men’s Coach of the Year – Bob Mpinganjira
Men’s Player of the Year – Chikumbutso Salima
Men’s Young Player of the Year – Festus Duwe
2025 Women’s Awards
Women’s Coach of the Year – Andrew Chikhosi
Women’s Player of the Year – Deborah Henry
Women’s Young Player of the Year – Sarah Mlimbika
General Awards
Referee of the Year – David Chinoko
Assistant Referee of the Year – Happiness Mbandambanda
Young Player of the Year (Non-Elite) – Chikondi Howa
Best Supporters – Civil Service Supporters
The FAM Awards night was a celebration of passion, talent, and dedication that lit up Malawi’s football scene.
Held in a vibrant venue filled with cheers and anticipation, the event brought together players, coaches, officials, and fans to honor the outstanding achievements of the past season.
As the spotlight shone brightly, awards were handed out to the best players, top goal scorers, and rising stars, each receiving their moment of glory.
The night was also a tribute to the resilience and spirit of Malawian football, highlighting stories of perseverance and teamwork that inspire the nation.
With music, dance, and heartfelt speeches, the FAM Awards not only recognized excellence on the pitch but also celebrated the unity and passion that football ignites across Malawi.
It was a memorable night that reaffirmed football’s role as a unifying force and a source of pride for the country, leaving everyone eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of Malawian football greatness.
“We will come again next year with even more surprises.”
Fleetwood Haiya
FAM President
