Mafco FC have said they were startled to learn about being the most indisciplined team on the field in the 2025 TNM Super League season.
An on-field disciplinary chart released by Super League of Malawi (Sulom) shows that the Salima-based Malawi Defence Force (MDF) outfit topped the list after accumulating 65 yellow cards and three red cards.
I Nation
They were followed by Lilongwe-based fellow MDF side Kamuzu Barracks (KB) FC who were shown 53 yellow cards and four red cards.
On the other hand, Mighty Wanderers were the least cautioned team with 25 yellow cards and one red card followed by their arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who were shown 27 yellow cards.
To their credit, the People’s Team stand proudly as the only side that did not get a red card.
The 2025 Super League season registered 648 yellow cards and 34 red cards.
In an interview yesterday, Mafco FC general secretary (GS) Innocent Chimungu said they were disappointed with the development.
He said: “The figures are startling. It is a concern to the management of the team and we have called for a meeting with the players to see how best we can manage it going forward as it is also tarnishing the image of MDF.”
Chimungu said there will be a notable improvement next season.
“Next season, the football fraternity should expect an improved Mafco in terms of both conduct and performance,” he assured.
The team’s coach Sterio Gondwe said: “Most of the cards were as a result of protests against certain decisions and not necessarily foul play.”
On his part, KB GS Albert Midian said the situation could be two-fold.
He said: “First, it could be that the [KB] players’ conduct on the pitch is not good, but on the other hand, it also points to the attitude of match officials towards the players.
“It could be that they have this mindset that being military teams every physical contact is treated differently.”
Wanderers chief executive officer Panganeni Ndovi said the statistics are a clear indicator of the level of discipline within their squad.
He said: “As a company, one of our core focus areas is discipline across all stakeholders, sincluding our supporters.
“On-field discipline is not accidental, it is a deliberate reflection of our values and our broader objectives.”
Ndovi said they are committed to ensuring that Wanderers are not only associated with success and glory on the pitch, “but is also widely recognised for discipline, professionalism and respect for the game. That standard begins with our players and sets the tone for the entire institution”.
His Bullets counterpart Albert Chigoga said: “When we are hiring players, they subscribe to the code of conduct or disciplinary code.”
Meanwhile, according to Sulom, Lilongwe-based referee Jimmy Phiri issued the highest number of yellow cards in the 2025 season.
In the 11 games he officiated, he flashed 49 yellow cards and two red cards. He is followed by Idrissah Matola who issued 48 yellow cards and two red cards in 13 games.
Edson Chagala flashed the highest number of red cards, having shown five red cards in eight matches.
