NBM Says WAFCON Fan Events Boosted Support for Scorchers

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc says its nationwide Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) watch parties exceeded expectations by bringing football supporters together to rally behind the Scorchers during their historic campaign in Morocco.

NBM organised more than 12 watch parties across the country during the tournament, giving supporters opportunities to watch the national women’s team’s matches together.

The gatherings were held in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu, among other locations, as the Scorchers advanced through the tournament and reached the final on their debut.

Reflecting on the initiative, NBM Chief Finance Officer Daniel Jere said the bank was pleased with the response from customers and football fans.

“Our objective was to create an environment where Malawians could come together, enjoy the matches and support the Scorchers. We are delighted with the response from our customers and football fans,” Jere said.

He said the initiative also strengthened the relationship between the bank and Malawians through football.

“Football has a unique ability to bring people together, and these watch parties gave us an opportunity to share those memorable moments with our customers and communities,” Jere said.

Jere added that the strong turnout enhanced NBM’s visibility while reinforcing its commitment to the development of women’s football.

“The turnout was encouraging and demonstrated the passion Malawians have for the Scorchers. It also reaffirmed our commitment to supporting women’s football beyond a single tournament,” he said.

The watch parties became particularly vibrant as the Scorchers recorded historic victories over Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria before finishing as runners-up after losing to Morocco in the final.

Fans who attended the events also commended NBM for creating platforms where supporters could celebrate the team’s achievements together.

Christine Mathotho, who attended the Moneymen watch party in Blantyre, thanked the bank for bringing fans together to support the national team.

“It was exciting to watch the game with other supporters. NBM gave us a place where we could celebrate and support our girls together,” Mathotho said.

In Lilongwe, Woodlands was among the venues that hosted supporters, with fans gathering for Malawi’s opening match against Nigeria.

NBM’s support continued throughout the tournament, with watch parties held during crucial knockout matches. For the semi-final against Algeria, the bank hosted simultaneous gatherings at Moneymen Club in Blantyre, Aero Lounge in Lilongwe and Linde Lounge & Grill in Mzuzu.

The initiative formed part of NBM’s broader sponsorship of the Scorchers and its commitment to promoting women’s football in Malawi.

The bank has previously said its commitment to the national women’s team predates the 2026 WAFCON campaign, with its sponsorship intended to support the team beyond a single tournament.

The Scorchers’ historic run has since sparked widespread celebrations across the country, with the team returning home on Wednesday after securing a runners-up finish and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.