Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has thrown out Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers’ request to postpone their TNM Super League match scheduled for Sunday at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
The two teams cited preparations for their upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) club tournaments’ assignments as the reason for their request, saying their players risk sustaining injuries.
The Bankers are scheduled to travel to Mauritius to face Malagasy side ASSM Elgeco Plus in the preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League between September 19 and 21.
On the other hand, the Nomads will face Botswana outfit Jwaneng FC in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup during the same period.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda confirmed receipt of the request from the two teams.
He said: “We acknowledge receipt of their request and we have engaged them accordingly.
“We congratulate them for joining CAF competitions and extend our heartfelt wishes in the tournament.
“We also recognise the importance of planning for the competitions that was done through a formidable calendar.
“Both TNM Super League and CAF tourneys are competitions administered by rules and regulations and both teams are very much aware of the legal provisions that can facilitate rescheduling of matches. Currently, our regulations do not allow.”
When contacted for comment, Wanderers chief executive officer Panganeni Ndovi said he was in a meeting while his Silver counterpart Patrick Chimimba said while they are not comfortable with the arrangement, they will fulfill the league mtch.
He said: “We understand the fixture is tight, so we have no choice but to play and give our best.
“We knew it would not be easy competing domestically and internationally, but for the sake of progressing our game, we believe plsying in CAF tourneys is the way to go.”
But football analyst Charles Nyirenda said Sulom should have considered the two teams’ request.
He said: “I can understand why they have made the request and it makes sense.
“Considering that the two are also vying for the league title and the race is delicately poised and in national interest as well, Sulom have to do the needful and push the match to a later date to allow the two teams to prepare for CAF tournaments.
“Afterall, there is still enough time for the clubs to complete the season within the scheduled time.”
Before they face-off, Wanderers are scheduled to take on Mzuzu City Hammers in the FDH Bank Cup Round of 16 at Rumphi Stadium while the Bankers face lower league side FC Shire at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe tomorrow.
