Feature: Inside Ekhaya FC’s 2026 Preseason Blueprint
Ekhaya FC’s 2026 preseason proved to be a calculated reset, bold in recruitment, deliberate in structure, and revealing in performance.
From sweeping squad changes to competitive outings across the country, the Cowboys have quietly shaped a side that looks more equipped for the demands of a second top-flight season.
A Squad Reimagined
The club moved swiftly in the transfer market, securing a blend of emerging talent and players with valuable top-flight exposure. Chimwemwe Chunga, Charles Mafaiti, Alfred Chizinga, Clever Mkungula, and several rising prospects headline a recruitment drive focused on both quality and longevity.
Alongside arrivals came a significant outflow of players through loans and permanent deals.
While the scale of change drew attention, the technical bench remained clear in its messaging, this was about strengthening the core and creating a more competitive environment within the squad.
Behind the scenes, the technical structure continued to evolve, with a new Technical Director roped in.
Building the Base
After regrouping in mid-March, Ekhaya’s preseason kicked off with the Sapitwa 4 tournament. A narrow 1-0 victory over Red Lions set them on their way before draws against Goshen City and Dedza Dynamos secured the title. It was a controlled, disciplined showing, not spectacular, but effective.
A two-week intensive training camp in Mangochi followed, laying the physical and tactical groundwork.
The Cowboys then transitioned into match rhythm with friendlies and a steady run of competitive training games against sides like Mighty Tigers, Chilobwe United, and others , fixtures that tested depth, adaptability, and consistency across the squad.
Results That Told a Story
Ekhaya’s official friendlies reflected both progress and areas for growth:
2-2 vs Changalume Barracks: A strong attacking display with goals from Davie Juwawo and Moses Banda, undone by a late concession.
3-0 vs Ntcheu Warriors FC: A dominant performance, with George Mateyu announcing himself through a clinical hat-trick.
0-2 vs Fomo FC: A frustrating finale, plenty of chances created, but wastefulness and late defensive lapses proved costly
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Five Things We Learned
1. Creativity Has Evolved
Ekhaya now carry more attacking variety, particularly from wide areas. The new additions have brought flair, movement, and the ability to unlock compact defenses. The team looks more dynamic going forward, with multiple players capable of creating chances.
2. Midfield Depth Is Real
The arrivals of the likes of Alfred Chizinga and Iasaiah have strengthened the midfield unit significantly. There’s improved balance between control and progression, with more options to dictate tempo and support both defense and attack.
3. More safe hands
One of the standout positives has been the quality between the posts. Luck Tizola continues to offer reliability, while Clever Mkungula has arrived as a strong addition, raising competition and standards within the department. It’s a quiet but crucial upgrade.
4. The fight to break into the team
This preseason has not just been about the first team. A number of reserve players were heavily involved, with Limbikani Kutambe notably staying with the squad throughout the entire preseason program.
Combined with competitive training matches against sides like Mighty Tigers and Chilobwe United, the squad has developed depth and internal competition, no position feels guaranteed.
5. A team that creates… but doesn’t always finish
Ekhaya have shown they can dominate games and create chances, but two issues persist: finishing and focus. The inability to convert key moments and lapses in concentration, particularly late in matches, cost them against Changalume Barracks and Fomo FC.
These are not structural flaws, but details that will define their season if not addressed.
Fitness and Readiness
The squad heads into the season in strong physical condition. Only Alick Lungu remains in recovery, with a return on the horizon. Overall, the team looks fit, prepared, and ready for competitive action.
The Bigger Picture
After a 7th-place finish last season, expectations remain realistic but optimistic. The focus is on progression rather than pressure, steady growth within a developing project.
“A couple of steps up the radar will be fine as we are still building this project,” said the Head Coach Enos Chatama in recent preseason update.
What to Expect
The Cowboys enter the 2026 season as a more competitive and tactically mature side. The creativity is there, the squad depth is evident, and the internal competition is pushing standards higher.
What remains is consistency in key moments. If the Cowboys can sharpen their finishing and maintain focus through all phases of the game, they won’t just improve, they’ll challenge.
Next Up
The real test begins next Sunday, as Ekhaya kick off their league campaign with an away trip to Blue Eagles, a fixture that will offer the first true measure of how far this evolving side has come.
