Bishop Mtumbuka’s K21 Million Peace Trophy Brings Hope and Unity in Karonga

By Walughano Lumbira…..

Peace and unity continue to grow through sports in Karonga District as the K21 million Bishop Peace Trophy, introduced by Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese, nears its final stages, with Fatsani FC, Malungo FC and Chisumbu FC already booking their places in the semifinals.

Only one more team is now expected to qualify and complete the lineup.

The trophy, launched earlier this year, aims to reduce acts of violence related to witchcraft accusations, chieftaincy wrangles, and other community conflicts by engaging young people through football.

Since its introduction, the tournament has drawn massive participation and excitement across the district.

However, Sunday’s match between Chicago FC and Chonanga FC at Karonga Community Ground in the quorterfinals ended dramatically, leaving fans without clear results.

The game finished 2-2 in regulation time, and penalties could not be completed following confusion over a disputed goal.

Tension rose when Chonanga FC were denied a penalty goal that many spectators believed had crossed the line, but the officiating team ruled otherwise, a decision that left both fans and players frustrated.

Speaking after the match, Chonanga FC Coach, Williams Gondwe, praised Bishop Mtumbuka for introducing the tournament, saying it has helped instill discipline and peace among the youth.

“We thank the Diocese for this initiative that promotes peace through football. Even though there were questionable decisions today, we will wait for the fair report,” said Gondwe.

Chicago FC Coach, Diego Nkhonya, also said his team would wait for the official report from the organizing committee before commenting further on the disputed results.

Meanwhile, General Secretary for the Karonga District Youth Football Committee, Chimwemwe Swila, described the progress of the tournament as impressive, saying it has united communities across the district. He said the committee is waiting for the referees’ report to make a final decision.

Adding his voice, Village Head Mponela from Senior Chief Wasambo commended the Karonga Diocese for the Bishop Peace Trophy, noting that the competition has significantly reduced cases of violence in his area.

“We used to experience frequent fights and accusations, but since this trophy began, our youth are busy on the field instead of quarreling. This is a true project of peace,” he said.

Project Coordinator for the Bishop Peace Trophy, Vincent Bwinga, expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of supporters during the games and urged the youth to continue maintaining peace beyond the tournament.

“This trophy is more than football; it’s a tool for peacebuilding. Let the spirit of unity continue even when the trophy ends,” Bwinga addressed players before the match.

As the competition moves toward its final phase, anticipation continues to build in Karonga, with communities applauding Bishop Mtumbuka’s initiative for using football to promote peace, respect, and togetherness among the youth.