Nomads make statement
Be Forward Wanderers have made their intentions of clinching the 2017 TNM Super League title clear by finishing at the summit of the table after holding unbeaten Silver Strikers to a goalless draw yesterday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
It is the first time the Lali Lubani Road outfit has ever finished at the top of the first round since TNM started sponsoring the league in the 2006/07 season.
The Nomads wrap up the first-round with 35 points, two points above second-placed Silver.
Wanderers team manager Steve Madeira said the Nomads would engage an extra gear in the second-round to accomplish the mission.
“They [Silver] were lucky to get away with a draw. Their goalkeeper [Brighton Munthali] saved them thrice in a one-on-one situation. But the good thing is that we are still on top and we will complete the mission come the second-round,” he said.
Nyasa Big Bullets, who beat Azam Tigers 2-0 on Saturday, are third with 28 points while Blue Eagles are fourth with 24 points.
The Nomads will pocket K300 000 at the end of the season for finishing top after week 19 of the 2017 season.
But Silver general secretary Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda said the Bankers are the best team as far as all competitions are concerned.
“We have finished the first-round on second position and unbeaten. We also won the Airtel Top 8 as well. That shows that Silver is the best this far,” he said.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) general secretary Williams Banda described the first-round as successful.
He said: “It was quite competitive. The top position kept on changing hands between several teams. No one was assured that they would finish on top until the last match of the first round.
“Congratulations to Wanderers for finishing on top of the table for the first time since TNM started sponsoring the league.
“All is not lost for the other teams, more especially those in relegation zone. They should utilise the break to prepare for the second-round.”
Blantyre United (14), Dwangwa United (15) and Chitipa United (16) are stuck in the danger zone.
But Civil Sporting Club, who took up Epac FC’s spot after getting relegated, are the suprise team as they perch on position five.
The second-round starts on September 9. n
