After a 4-month break, action in the TNM Super League returns this weekend with 8 exciting fixtures spread across the country. The highlight of the weekend’s games is at Bingu National Stadium, where defending champions Silver Strikers kick-start their title defence campaign with a clash against fierce rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, the team they wrestled the title from last season.
This fixture promises nothing short of fireworks, both on and off the field, especially after the dramatic events of the past 4 months. Peter Mponda, the new coach of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, will be the centre of attention as he returns to face the team he led to the league championship last season after an 11-year drought at Area 47. Also in the spotlight will be former Bullets captain, left-back Precious Sambani, who switched allegiance to Silver Strikers during the transfer window.
Last season, the two teams met three times, with Silver Strikers winning away at Bullets, while the return leg ended in a draw. The teams also faced off in the Airtel Top 8 Cup final, where Bullets emerged victorious by a narrow 1-0 score line. Silver Strikers come into the match with plenty of confidence after lifting the Charity Shield last Saturday with a thrilling 5-4 penalty win over Mighty Wanderers at Bingu National Stadium.
On the other hand, Bullets have had a mixed pre-season, losing 2-1 to Kamuzu Barracks in their opening match before bouncing back to win the Sapitwa 4 Bonanza and wrapping up their pre-season with a 2-1 victory over Blue Eagles. Both teams have been experimenting with lineups throughout pre-season, with Bullets’ coach Mponda particularly busy trying different defensive combinations after the departure of key defenders Gomezgani Chirwa, Alick Lungu, and Nickson Nyasulu.
Meanwhile, Silver Strikers have retained most of their squad from last season’s title-winning side, with notable additions like attackers Festus Duwe and Emmanuel Allan, and midfielder Felix Demakude. Despite being the season’s opening match, the three points are already crucial, and both teams are eager to secure bragging rights.
At Kamuzu Stadium, debutants Ekhaya FC face seasoned campaigners Mighty Tigers in a mini Blantyre derby. Both teams share the city of Blantyre as their home. Ekhaya’s coach Enos Chatama has assembled a squad blending youth and experience, with former Civo United forward Emmanuel Saviel leading the attack alongside former Silver Strikers winger Christopher Gototo. For Mighty Tigers, coach Lea Mpulula has had little activity in the transfer market, placing his trust in the squad that narrowly avoided relegation last season. Goalkeeper Lucky Tizola, who impressed with 14 clean sheets last season, will be key for the Kau Kau boys.
Saturday’s action ends with a clash between MAFCO FC and Chitipa United at Chitowe. Both teams struggled with consistency last season, with Chitipa barely surviving relegation on the final day. They will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles, especially after finishing fourth in 2023.
Match day 2 will see last season’s runners-up Mighty Wanderers host the returning Blue Eagles at Kamuzu Stadium. The Wanderers come off a disappointing Charity Shield loss to Silver Strikers, and coach Bob Mpinganjira faces injury woes, particularly with the loss of striker Sama Tanjong. Without Tanjong, Mpinganjira will rely on former Dedza Dynamos striker Promise Kamwendo, who impressed in his debut against Silver. With the likes of top scorer Isaac Kaliati, defensive midfielder Blessings Singini, and defenders Stanley Sanudi and Masiya Manda, the Wanderers still boast a formidable squad.
For Blue Eagles, coach Eliah Kananji can rely on a wealth of experience. Most of his squad helped the team return to the top flight after their relegation in 2023. While the Eagles have lost goalkeeper Brighton Munthali to Creck Sporting and defender Andrew Jovinala to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, they’ve been boosted by the return of Flames captain John Banda from Mozambique. Banda will partner with midfielders Micium Mhone, Schumakor Kuwali, and Gilbert Chirwa to form a solid midfield.
Elsewhere, at Mzuzu Stadium, last season’s surprise package Mzuzu City Hammers will aim to build on their momentum from a record fourth-place finish. They host the unpredictable Kamuzu Barracks, who struggled for form in 2024. Coach Steve Nkwinika will need to cope without their hitman Isaac Msiska, who now plays for Creck Sporting. Kamuzu Barracks’ coach Collins Nkuna faces the challenge of assembling a new squad after losing many starters to military training. However, midfielders Gregory Nachipo and Sam Gunda will provide experience in the heart of the team.
Other fixtures on Sunday include Creck Sporting, one of the busiest teams in the transfer market, hosting Dedza Dynamos at Champion Stadium in Mponela, and Civo United facing Karonga at Nankhaka Ground. The opening weekend action wraps up with debutants Songwe Border United hosting Moyale Barracks at Karonga Stadium.
Fasten your seatbelts! The rivalries are back, and the battle for 3 points is on.
