Nomads, bullets battle for top spot as TNM Super League first round wraps up

The 2025 TNM Super League first round wraps up this afternoon with a high-stakes race for the summit between leaders Mighty Wanderers and fierce rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets.

Wanderers, who lead the log table with 34 points, face a tricky away fixture against Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe while Bullets, who are just one below the Nomads host sixth placed Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira in a pre-match interview said they will go for a win as they aim to win the first round.

He said: “It’s the last game of the first round. We must finish on high note by collecting three points. We must work very hard knowing it will be a tough game.

“The significance of this match cannot be overemphasized. Everybody in my squad knows how much important this match is. Everyone is looking forward to the match on Sunday and bring a positive result.

“Civil is on fire, no doubt about it but every game is a different game. Their form is no cause for worry but a motivation for us to work hard. All I can say is that we are ready for them and we will do all our best.”

A win for Wanderers could solidify their lead while a draw or loss will open the door for Big Bullets to displace them at the top.

But Mpinganjira said this does not put them under pressure.

“We are moving in our lane. I have said it countless times that our focus is not Bullets or any other league side. We are focusing on our game and we wouldn’t want to create unnecessary pressure on our boys,” he said.

On his part, Bullets coach Peter Mponda sadi they will need to build from their success from last week’s away fixture against Mzuzu City Hammers and Mafco.

He said: “We are looking forward to finish the first round on a high note, more especially that we are playing at Kamuzu Stadium where we really need all the three points at all cost.”

But Mponda said they know Karonga can be unpredictable.

“We are facing a team which has collected six from the possible nine points in the last three games. They have players who can keep the ball; players who can defend.  They also have a coach who likes his team to play a passing game.

“They have always given us problems but we are prepared for them. We are playing at Kamuzu Stadium and like I said, these three points will be a defining moment for the season.”

Meanwhile, defending champions Silver Strikers, currently third with 27 points, travel to Rumphi Stadium to face relegation-threatened Mzuzu City Hammers.

With just two wins and a worrying goal difference of -18, the Hammers will need to dig deep to avoid further damage to their survival hopes.

Silver coach Peter Mgangira in am interview stressed the need to finish the first round on high note.

 “The boys look sharp, they are happy and the mood is good. We know our opponents are currently struggling, but we, as a team, have a mission, so we need to win these points and see where we end up.

“A win on Sunday will help us close the gap from the other two teams ahead of us. Winning this final match will give us the motivation we need.,” said Mgangira.