Super League kicks off today

Shirtless, euphoric, ecstatic. The familiar sights and roaring sounds return to the stadiums this afternoon after a four-month break as the 38th edition of the domestic flagship football league rolls into life.

While the announcement of the sponsorship package and the prizes has been shelved due to a contractual dispute between the top-flight league sponsors TNM plc and Super League of Malawi, sources have confided in Weekend Nation that the mobile network service provider has more than tripled the package from K150 million to K500 million with the champions set to cart home a cool K100 million, up from K40 million.

In an interview yesterday, TNM plc head of brand and marketing Madalitso Jonazi said he would revert on the issue as he needed to consult, but had not done so at the time of going to press at 5pm.

Ironically, K500 million was the minimum set by Sulom.

Setting the tone for the 2024 edition this afternoon will be champions FCB Nyasa Bullets, who set out their campaign for a sixth title on the trot and albeit 18th overall, against Dedza Dynamos at the latter’s fortress, Dedza Stadium.

The People’s Team has enjoyed absolute luxury in the past five seasons, culminating in a clean sweep last season when they won the unprecedented quadruple.

Assistant coach Michael Ngore said while they  anticipate a tough season as other teams are determined to end their dominance, they are ready.

He said: “As Bullets, everytime we are always prepared. As always, we strive to do well in every game. So, we are ready for the season and we always believe in our capabilities.

“Everyone is out to stop us and we know we have to up our game.”

Last season, the champions lost only two matches in the Super League and one of them was against Dedza 1-0 at the same venue while the other defeat was at the hands of Chitipa United by the same margin, but Ngore reckons that this will be a different match.

“Every day is a new day and as they say, every dog has its day. That’s one pitch we find it difficult to collect maximum points from, but the sun rises and we try again,” said Ngore.

 He said apart from five players that are nursing long-term injuries, only new signing midfielder Sean McBrams is unavailable for selection, nursing an injury. 

Even after sweeping all silverware last season, Bullets head coach Kallisto Pasuwa did not sit on his laurels and, instead, reinforced his squad by signing seven new players, including his two compatriots centre back Collin Mujuru and battle-scarred midfielder Ronald ‘Rooney’ Chitiyo.

Bullets also took on board holding midfielder Lloyd ‘Banega’ Aaron from Civil Service United on a K10 million domestic transfer record.

Others are lanky Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju who returned on a one-year loan deal, Mathews Masamba, Innocent Nyasulu and McBrams. They have also promoted Chrispin Mapemba from their reserve side.

Dedza Dynamos coach Andrew Bunya, who was with relegated Extreme FC last season, said the fact that they collected four points out of a possible six, has given them confidence of starting on a positive note against the champions.

He said: “That we did not lose to Bullets last season, speaks a lot of our capabilities, but this will be a different game altogether and we cannot just bank on home ground advantage, we need to give out something extra.

“They are a big team, but we are prepared for them. We will give them a good run for their money,”

Dedza will be boosted by their new signing Nigerian forward Samson Olatubosum.

Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up Silver Strikers start their campaign against Chitipa United, who finished fourth last season, at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.

Nkhalamu za ku Chitipa were the surprise team last season under the tutelage of McDonald ‘Nginde’ Mtetemera  with a remarkable run that saw them hand domestic football giants Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers their first defeats.

In an interview yesterday, Silver coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said they cannot toy around with the idea of underrating Chitipa.

“It’s going to be an interesting game. Last time we played them, we drew  at home. They finished fourth and we can’t go on the pitch thinking that we’ll have it easy. We know we’ll have to sweat for the three points,” he said.

Rookies Fomo FC will be the only newly-promoted side in action today when they host Bangwe All Stars at Mulanke Park Stadium.

At Mzuzu Stadium, it will be a military affair when Moyale Barracks host Mafco FC at Mzuzu Stadium.