A long and arduous journey that began on April 6 in Dedza culminates today in Lilongwe at Silver Stadium. Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos Football Club kicked off their campaign with a commendable draw against defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. Now, they close their season against the newly crowned champions, Silver Strikers.
While the champions’ coronation event at Silver Stadium promises to be a spectacle, the dramatic relegation battles elsewhere have captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. Silver Strikers secured the TNM Super League title in style, with two matches to spare, following a hard-fought 1-0 win over title rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Sponsorship Boost and Competitive Edge
The revived, rebranded and reformed TNM Super League witnessed heightened competition this season, largely attributed to the increased sponsorship packages.
Clubs not only showcased improved tactical depth and physical conditioning but also battled fiercely for survival, especially in the season’s final stretch. The winners, Silver Strikers will pocket MK100 Million, a hike up from MK40 Million which FCB Nyasa Big Bullets pocketed last season. The second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will get MK40 Million and Bullets will get MK30 Million for finishing third.
The increase in the prize money for the Player of the Season winner, Golden boot winner, Coach of the season, most improved team also played a major part to the excitement of this season’s league competition.
The 2024 TNM Super League season will be remembered for its intense battles, both at the top and bottom of the table. From Silver Strikers’ clinical dominance to the underdog stories of teams like CRECK Sporting and FOMO FC, the league showcased the evolution of Malawian football.
As the season concludes, the focus shifts to the broader implications: the impact of increased sponsorship, the competitive parity in the league, and the development of clubs in the newly established National Division League. For now, fans can relish the drama of this final day, where champions will celebrate, and the relegation battles will define futures.
Silver, Dedza for a positive result
Silver Strikers, despite clinching the title early, are eager to bounce back from a midweek setback that saw them lose 1-0 to relegation-threatened FOMO FC. The champions are eyeing a dominant finish in front of their home crowd and football dignitaries at Silver Stadium.
Coach Peter Mponda has emphasized the importance of maintaining a high-performance standard:
“Yes, we’ve wrapped up the title, but it’s crucial to test our players’ psychological and tactical discipline now that the pressure is off. This game serves as a preparatory platform for future competitions,” Mponda said.
Dedza Dynamos, on the other hand, come into this game after a frustrating draw against Mzuzu City Hammers. Coach Andrew Bunya lamented his team’s inefficiency in the attacking third but expressed confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion.
“We’ve created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the season but failed to capitalize. Against Silver Strikers, we aim to rewrite that narrative. It’s a chance to demonstrate our growth as a unit,” Bunya stated.
Dedza’s defensive structure, known for its compactness and zonal marking, has been their strength this season. However, their over-reliance on counter-attacks has often left them vulnerable against high-pressing teams like Silver Strikers.
Relegation Drama: High Stakes in Mulanje
The relegation battle provides the day’s most gripping subplot, with FOMO FC, Chitipa United, and Bangwe All Stars all fighting to avoid the drop.
FOMO FC’s unexpected midweek victory over champions Silver Strikers has injected new life into their survival campaign. Currently just a point above the drop zone, they face Karonga United at Mulanje Park Stadium in what is essentially a must-win match.
Coach Elvis Kafoteka has drilled his players on high-intensity pressing and positional discipline ahead of the match.
“This game is a final for us. Beating Silver was an emotional high, but complacency could be fatal. We need to control the game tempo and be clinical in front of goal,” he said.
Karonga United, coming off a 3-1 defeat to Big Bullets, will look to exploit FOMO’s defensive frailties, particularly on transitions. Their midfield dynamo, who specializes in vertical passing and breaking defensive lines, could play a pivotal role.
Bangwe, CRECK hunt for different targets
At Balaka Stadium, Bangwe All Stars host CRECK Sporting Club in another relegation six-pointer.
Bangwe, sitting precariously on 27 points, must secure maximum points and hope for slip-ups from either FOMO FC or Chitipa United.
Bangwe’s coach, Trevor Kajawa, acknowledged the pressure but remains optimistic: “Home advantage could be decisive for us. We need to control the spaces, stay compact defensively, and utilize our wing play effectively to create chances,” he explained.
CRECK Sporting, already safe from relegation, are targeting a Top 8 finish. Coach Joseph Kamwendo emphasized his team’s focus on building from the back and exploiting Bangwe’s tendency to leave gaps in midfield:
“This game is crucial for both teams. We’re prepared to play on the front foot and dictate the game,” Kamwendo said.
Chitipa United pins hope on last game
Chitipa United, after a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Moyale Barracks, face relegated Baka City FC in a match that could determine their fate. A win, combined with favorable results elsewhere in Mulanje and Balaka, would secure their place in the league.
Coach Christopher Nyambose stressed the importance of mental resilience:
“Home games often bring added pressure, but we must remain composed and stick to our tactical principles. Our focus is on securing the win, not relying on other results,” Nyambose said.
