Lions a point shy of Super League return
Red Lions just need a draw in their last three games in ThumbsUp Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) League Premier Division to secure automatic return to the TNM Super League following 3-1 triumph over Nyasa United on Sunday.
Their home victory at Cobbe Barracks ground in Zomba has helped them sit comfortably at the top of the 20-team table with 93 points from 35 games, 10 points away from second-placed champions Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve and 12 points ahead of third-placed Sable Farming, who are now the only other title contenders.
Bullets, whose maximum points are 89, have been eliminated from the race, but Sable Farming, who have 81 points from 34 games, still have mathematical chance if they win all their four remaining matches and hope that Lions falter in their three upcoming fixtures as they would tie on points and the ones with better goal difference would take the ultimate glory.
Nevertheless, Lions would get rid of Sable Farming’s chance once they get a point from their last three encounters, including a meeting between the two sides. Their other assignments will be against fourth-placed Hangover and 12th positioned Tupali FC.
On Sunday, Lions got their victory through Henry Kamunga’s strike and a brace from Royal Bokosi, who is the leading scorer with 39 goals, three ahead of second best scorer Sable Farming’s Humphrey Chimwaza. Nyasa United got their consolation goal through Michael Mnsolo.
“It really feels great that we have moved much closer to Super League return. However, we still have to engage an extra gear to win all our remaining games because if we relax, we might lose this chance because the teams we are meeting are not easy to beat,” said Lions coach Dave Gondwe.
On his part, Bokosi said he is determined to win the golden boot award and help his team earn promotion back to the Super League.
“But we not in the comfort zone yet. So, we have to do our best to win our remaining games,” he said.
