Rachael Kaphaizi

The wait is almost over, the 2024 Airtel Top 8 tournament is just around the corner, and the excitement is tangible as eight of Malawi’s top teams are gearing up to battle it out for the coveted title and a prize of K30 million.

Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Chitipa United, Kamuzu Barracks, Bangwe All Stars, Dedza Dynamos, and Civil Service United are the teams to compete in this year’s competition.

The Cup will be played on knockout basis from the first round (Quarterfinals) on a home and away basis, where away goal and goal aggregate score rules shall apply.

The quarterfinals will kick off on September 14 and run until October 20, followed by the semi-finals on October 26 -27 and the finals on November 3rd.

Individual brilliance will also be recognized. Top goal scorer will go home with K1.5 million, player of the tournament K1 million while man of the match in each game will be getting K100 000.

As the teams prepare to clash, fans are eagerly anticipating the thrilling encounters that lie ahead, will Bullets continue their dominance, or will Strikers finally break their curse?

Can Wanderers pull off a surprise, or will Chitipa’s underdog story inspire the nation?

Fixtures, venue and dates:

1. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Vs Civo Service United on 14/09/2024 at Kamuzu Stadium.

2. Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Vs Bangwe All Stars on 15/09/2024 at Kamuzu Stadium.

3. Chitipa United Vs Kamuzu Barracks on 15/09/2024 at Karonga Stadium.

4. Silver Strikers Vs Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on 18/09/2024 at Silver Stadium

5. Bangwe All Stars Vs Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on 28/09/2024 at Mpira Stadium.

6. CIVO Service Vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on 29/09/2024 at Civo Stadium

7. Kamuzu Barracks Vs Chitipa United on 19/10/2024 at Civo Stadium

8. Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos Vs Silver Strikers on 20/10/2024 at Dedza Ground

Prize money breakdown:

1. Winner: K30 million
2. Runner-up: K10 million
3. All participating teams: K2.5 million