With just days to go before the TNM Super League mid-season transfer window opens, clubs have been urged to resist panic buying and instead make strategic squad reinforcements.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has announced that the window will run from August 8 to September 4, urging clubs to operate within the rules and submit all transfers in an orderly manner.
A statement from Sulom reads in part: “Clubs are reminded to strictly adhere to these windows to ensure proper registration and eligibility of players for the second round.
“Sulom will not hesitate but impose appropriate sanctions on all parties that shall violate player transfer regulations during this window period.”
Football analyst Twaha Chimuka advised clubs to carry out squad needs assessments before hitting the market.
He said: “The reality is that watching all the teams in the league play one thing is obvious they all need to beef up their squads.
“The teams look short of so many things, ranging from squad depth to dynamics and individual brilliance; hence, the need for teams to use the transfer window to fix those issues.”
League leaders Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who are also preparing for the CAF Confederation Cup, have been singled out as needing major reinforcements at the back.
Chimuka said: “Wanderers have a problem with the defence because when you look at the team, sometimes they lack the aggressiveness required for the defenders.
“Their defence looks old that is likely to retire or lose the momentum at one point so there’s a need for the defence to be strengthened with young defenders ready to take over from the old guns currently marshalling the defence.”
Chimuka also questioned the effectiveness of defensive midfielder Nanisoni Mbewe, calling on the club to strengthen that role to withstand CAF-level competition.
He said: “They also lack a proper defending midfielder as the latest addition Nanisoni Mbewe, has not lived to the expectations.
“Being a team that is set to compete in CAF Confederations Cup, the Nomads need those reinforcements to be able to withstand the pressure of competing in those tournaments.”
FCB Nyasa Bullets, who trail Wanderers on the table, are still struggling to plug the defensive and offensive holes left by recent departures, according to Chimuka.
Said Chimuka: “The departure of Nixon Nyasulu and Gomegzani Chirwa hasn’t been properly
addressed. As a result, Bullets look vulnerable when pressed and in aerial situations.”
He urged the club to pursue a player like Ochaya Okoti from PremierBet Dedza Dynamos as well as a young striker to ease the burden on ageing forwards Babatunde Adepoju and Ephraim Kondowe.
Said Chimuka: “So, they need to use this window by getting at least two strong centre-backs and at least a defensive midfielder of Okoti’s calibre, who can help shield the defence and also provide squad depth following the departure of Lloyd Aaron and Yankho Singo.
“They also need to bring in a young striker to take over the pressure away from Babatunde and Kondowe and also nurture him for the future as the two are now ageing, especially looking at the reality that Babatunde is now 30.”
Bullets have already acted by signing defender Khumbo Banda from Dedza and head coach Peter Mponda described the acquisition as a timely boost.
“He br i ngs hunger, athleticism and the kind of intensity we need in our defensive setup. He can operate in multiple positions at the back and we believe he wi l l add depth and competition to our squad. We’ve monitored his growth
and are excited to have him wear our red and white,” the tactician said.
Defending champions Silver St r ikers, who are Ma lawi ’s representat i ves in the CAF Champions League, also face gaps in key areas.
“Silver have a defensive midfield issue as both Chikondi Kamanga and Levison Maganizo look past their best and very vulnerable to press. They are supposed to be relieved of their full-time assignments and give the role to someone who will protect the already strong defence,” he said.
Chimuka also noted that Stain Davie and Binwell Katinji lack the cutting edge upfront and called for the addition of strikers and wingers to support Trevor Kalima, currently the team’s only natural wide player.
“The Bankers are short of strikers upfront as neither Stain Davie nor Binwell Katinji are lethal in the box or outside the box. They need to add at least a striker or two.
“They also need to reinforce the wide areas as the team look to be relying on Trevor Kalima as the natural winger with the ability to hug the line and beat the fullbacks. So, they need to add at least two wingers to provide depth and improve competition and give the coach options,” Chimuka explained.
In response, Silver have promoted reserve team players defender Dumisani Pemba and midfielders Sebastian Chinsomba, Emmanuel Nyakutepa as well as Innocent Smart to the senior squad.
Pemba already made an impact by assisting the third goal in their recent match against Wanderers during the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
Wanderers on the other hand are reviewing squad needs ahead of their CAF campaign, according to chief executive officer Panganeni Ndovi.
Ndovi in an interview said the technical panel is “drafting the squad for the Champions League and if there are some areas of need, we will take it from there”.
