Clubs in early preps to catch up with Bullets
TNM Super League clubs have intensified preparations for the 2024 season as they plot to catch up with quadruple winners FCB Nyasa Bullets who swept all domestic trophies in the just-ended season.
Although the transfer window is yet to officially open, clubs have already hit the market in search for players to beef up their squads.
Silver Strikers, who finished as runners-up to Bullets in the TNM Super League and Castel Challenge Cup have raided relegated Blue Eagles camp where they have signed striker Christopher Gototo and midfielder McDonald Lameck.
The club has also appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO) Patrick Chimimba, who is expected to steer the club’s commercialisation drive.
In an interview, the CEO said he wants Silver to turn into a football giant capable of challenging Bullets’ dominance.
He said: “It is a challenge that we are prepared to face. Bullets dominated the previous season, but we weren’t far off, with proper planning we should be able to challenge them in the field and also find our way in the commercialisation space.”
He said his vision is to have a club that is commercially viable and leverages on the community networks and strategic partnership.
Chimimba said: “A Silver Strikers that is performing and dominating the local leagues and that has a presence on the continent in terms of football results and brand visibility.
“I have a vision that looks at leveraging merchandise, a Silver strikers that fosters strategic partnerships. A club that is transparent and accountable to stakeholders.
“A silver Strikers that has the fan welfare at heart, we will strive to provide a match day experience like no other incorporating entertainment to make the dull football experience lively again.”
The Central Bankers are also assessing the performance of their head coach Pieter de Jongh based on the targets that were set for him.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who fired all coaches following the resignation of head coach Mark Harrison, have also hinted on major changes both to the squad and the technical panel.
Despite not having a technical panel, the Nomads are also not waiting until they recruit the coach to beef up their squad.
They have already started signing new players, their first being midfielder Blessings Singini from Ekwendeni Hammers.
The club’s acting chief executive officer Roosevelt Mpinganjira justified the move, saying they are implementing recommendations from Harrison.
“Before he left, Harrison submitted a report with recommendations on which players he would have recruited. We are simply following what he recommended.
“The incoming coach will simply take it from where his predecessor left off. He will not start recruiting new players all over again.”
Wanderers have also announced plans to focus on their reserve side which has won King Kabvina Champions Cup and the Southern Region Nyasa Capital Finance Cup, to build their capacity.
The club’s board secretary Chancy Gondwe said they resolved to revert to its culture of relying on players from reserve side, saying they are the ones that showcase more passion, dedication and commitment when promoted into the main team.
On their part, Chitipa United, who ended both Wanderers and Bullets’ unbeaten runs with 1-0 wins on their way to a top four finish, are set to keep their coach McDonald Nginde Mtetemera.
The team’s youthful squad has attracted interest from local and foreign clubs and some of the players that are on their radar are goalkeeper George Chikooka who had 13 clean sheets and captain Chris Lwemba.
But Mtetemera said he is looking forward to improving from last season’s performance.
He said: “We had a fantastic season. I have a squad of very young players who easily understand my style of play. We have managed to build this team and it did wonders last season.
“My plan is to keep all the players so that next season we can fight for the title and cups. But I will not stand in any player’s way if there are chances of clinching deals with foreign clubs.”
Dedza Dynamos, one of the teams that managed to beat Bullets in 2023 season, have parted ways with their coach Gilbert Chirwa despite the coach leading the team to finish seventh in TNM Super League as well as reaching the FDH Bank Cup semi-finals.
They have since advertised for the post, but Blue Eagles coach Elijah Kananji is strongly linked with a move to Dedza.
However, Dedza also face pressure to release their marksman Clement Nyondo who has attracted attention of both local and foreign clubs after grabbing the golden boot with 16 goals.
Salima-based Mafco, who lost to Bullets in FDH Bank Cup and Airtel Top 8 finals, have also trusted their coach Prichard Mwansa to continue his mission.
Mwansa thanked the club’s administration for their support and promised to even achieve more in the 2024 season.
He said: “I thank the club’s management and the players for what we have achieved. I took the team mid-season when things were not working. We improved and reached two cup finals. Next season, we need to at a least win a cup.”
Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said they anticipate stiff competition next season.
“I saw this coming. Clubs wouldn’t want Bullets to replicate the dominance in 2024. Definitely, I foresee tougher competition ahead,” he said.
However, Chigoga said Bullets will also step up their game to maintain their grip on the top.”
Even after their remarkable feat, Bullets are not sitting on their laurels and have signed midfielder Lloyd Aaron from Civil Service United. They have also re-signed gangly Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju on a season-long loan from South African second-tier league side Venda FC.
Chigoga said the club is also proud that their achievement is bringing positive change in Malawi football.
“One of the positive changes to expect is how to professionally run football clubs. Obviously competitions won’t be a walkover, not that it has been a walkover but things will simply get better in terms of leadership, technical approach as well as player discipline,” he said.
