Silver Strikers are still in a celebratory mood following their triumph as the 2024 TNM Super League champions. No one can blame the central bankers really as it has been years since they last banked the super league money in their vault.
On the contrary, Baka City, Bangwe All Stars and FOMO who were in the bottom half of the TNM Super League log table could not find a silver lining as they have been relegated, something which sports analysts have attributed to poor management, insufficient funding and poor planning.
While Baka City was relegated early in the second round, Bangwe All Stars and FOMO battled until the final day, ultimately succumbing to the drop.
Finishing last with only 13 points, Baka City had a torrid campaign. Their struggles stemmed from a lack of preparation following their promotion from the 2023 Simso Northern Region Division, according to football enthusiast Dan Chemis.
Home: 2 wins, 6 draws, 7 losses. Away: 0 wins, 1 draw, 14 losses. Goals Scored: 17; Goals Conceded: 74.
Key losses included a 10-0 drubbing by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, the highest scoring game in the 2024 TNM Super League, and an 8-0 defeat to Creck Sporting. Their only wins came against FOMO (2-1) and Bangwe All Stars (2-0), showcasing moments of resilience but not enough to save them.
Despite their poor results, Baka City displayed notable discipline, receiving only one yellow card (Ngesa Mwafulirwa).
Bangwe All Stars finished 15th with 27 points. Their stay was characterised by frequent coaching changes that disrupted their cohesion, with Chemis noting, “Frequent disruptions in leadership left the team disorganised and unable to build momentum.”
Home: 5 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses. Away: 1 win, 3 draws, 11 losses.
Their inability to perform consistently, especially away from home, sealed their fate.
FOMO narrowly missed survival, finishing 14th with 29 points. Despite spirited performances, including a shock 1-0 win over champions Silver Strikers, their away form—13 losses and a single win—undermined their survival chances.
Coach Elvis Kafoteka expressed pride in his players despite relegation, saying, “I gave everything, worked hard, and I’m proud of my players—they fought gallantly.”
Chitipa United survived relegation by a whisker, edging Bangwe All Stars on goal difference (-18 vs -19). In stark contrast to their 4th-place finish in 2023, their 2024 campaign was marred by poor away form.
Home: 6 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses. Away: 1 win, 4 draws, 10 losses.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama credited their survival to experience while Chemis highlighted the sale of key players like George Chikooka and the departure of coach McDonald Mtetemera to Creck Sporting Club as factors in their struggles.
Nonetheless, Ramadan Ntafu has been their top goal scorer with 11 goals.
Mighty Tigers dropped to 12th with 35 points, a slight decline from their 11th-place finish in 2023. Despite bringing in coach Leo Mpulula, the team failed to improve significantly.
Home: 7 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses. Away: 1 win, 7 draws, 7 losses.
Key contributors like Precious Chipungu (4 goals) and Masambiro Kalua (3 goals) were among the few positives in an otherwise underwhelming season.
Despite their dipped form, Lucky Tizola managed to keep 13 clean sheets, the second most in the league.
Dedza Dynamos, finishing 11th with 36 points, struggled especially in away matches, failing to win a single game on the road.
Home: 7 wins, 7 draws, 1 loss. Away: 0 wins, 8 draws, 7 losses.
The transfer controversy involving their star player, Promise Kamwendo, who scored 9 goals, somehow impacted their performance while the departure of key players like Charles Chipala and Lameck Gamphani hurt their squad depth.
However, Dynamos shifted gears by trusting other players like Gift Magola, who has scored four times, Edward Dakalira and Ibrahim Sadick both scoring twice, and all have been in red-hot form.
Defensively, they relied mostly on their keeper, Donnex Mwakasinga, who kept 10 clean sheets.
Military-sponsored teams like Kamuzu Barracks, MAFCO and Moyale Barracks struggled with consistency, tactical clarity and player availability.
Ending 10th with 37 points, Kamuzu Barracks showed a sharp decline from their 5th-place finish in 2023.
Home: 6 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses. Away: 2 wins, 7 draws, 6 losses.
Kamuzu Barracks endured a challenging season, with disruptions stemming from players departing for military peacekeeping missions and conflicts within the coaching staff, according to Chemis.
Assistant coach Temwa Msuku’s arrival reportedly created friction, affecting team cohesion and strategy.
Head coach Charles Kamanga openly criticised his squad’s commitment, remarking after their 2-0 loss to Moyale Barracks in November that some players appeared as though they “didn’t want to play.”
Star player Zeliati Nkhoma, who was the top scorer in the first round with 12 goals, experienced a sharp decline in form. His exclusion from the squad in crucial games further compounded the team’s issues, highlighting the internal struggles that plagued their season.
Hastings Banda, their goalkeeper, has also been critical because he managed to keep 7 clean sheets.
MAFCO and Moyale faced similar difficulties during the season, both finishing with 39 points. Moyale edged into 8th place due to a superior goal difference (+3 compared to MAFCO’s -9).
MAFCO’s wins: 9 Draws: 12 Losses: 9 Goals Scored: 30 Goals Conceded: 39
MAFCO averaged 1.1 goals scored and conceded per match, demonstrating their struggle for defensive stability. The team leaned heavily on key players such as Auspicious Kadzongola, Mphatso Philimoni, Stain Malata and Peter Kasonga – who scored eight goals. In goals, Christopher Mikuwa managed seven clean sheets.
Moyale Barracks’ wins: 9 Draws: 12 Losses: 9 Goals Scored: 30 Goals Conceded: 27
Moyale’s season was slightly better, averaging 1.3 goals scored per match while conceding just 0.3 goals per game. Their success was bolstered by the performances of Emmanuel Allan and Raphael Phiri, both netting seven goals to lead the team’s attacking efforts.
Karonga United finished the season in 7th place with 42 points, recording 11 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses.
Their impressive home form was key to their success, securing 8 wins, 6 draws and just one loss at home. However, their away performance was less convincing, with only 3 wins, 3 draws, and 9 defeats.
Their goalkeeper, Maclean Mwale, managed 12 clean sheets.
Coach Crespo Chimkwita attributed the team’s marked improvement in the second round to increased coordination among players.
Chimkwita explained that the team took time to adapt to his tactical approach, particularly at the onset of the season.
Karonga United’s transformation was notable; they shifted from an 11th-place finish in the first round to a more competitive position by implementing a new formation, switching from 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 system.
A pivotal contributor to their campaign was Blessings Mwalilino, who finished with 12 goals, solidifying his role as the team’s top scorer. Saulos Moyo followed up on second most top goal poacher for the side as he had managed 8.
Creck Sporting Club, newcomers to the TNM Super League following their promotion from the Chipuku Central Region Football Association, defied expectations by finishing 6th with 42 points.
Their season included 7 home wins, 3 away wins, 5 home draws, 7 away draws, and 3 home losses alongside 5 away losses.
Creck’s attacking prowess was a highlight, with the team scoring 44 goals while conceding 33. Memorable victories included an 8-0 demolition of Baka City, a 4-1 triumph over Bangwe All Stars, and a 3-1 win against Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe. Their biggest setback came in a tightly contested 3-2 loss to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
The club’s standout performer was George Chaomba, who netted 12 goals, followed by Gift Kadawati, who contributed 4 goals.
Chaomba and Hadji Wali managed 6 assists.
Sports analysts Chemis and Parry Chinyama commended Creck Sporting Club’s effective management and financial stability, which they credited for the team’s impressive performance.
Chemis highlighted the pivotal role of Mohamed Seleman, the club’s chairman, who previously served at the Football Association of Malawi. His experience, they pointed out, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s trajectory.
He added that Creck’s strong financial position enabled them to attract talented players such as seasoned striker Muhamad Sulumba and maintain a well-supported team structure.
Chinyama praised Apostle Clifford Kawinga, the club patron, for his support and passion for the team. Kawinga’s incentives and encouragement have boosted player morale and performance.
Both analysts agreed that Creck hit the right spot on technical expertise.
The arrival of McDonald Mtetemera as coach early in the season brought a critical focus on nurturing young players while integrating experienced talent.
His tactical acumen has been a game-changer for the rookie club, but in October, he was suspended and later sacked, replaced by Joseph Kamwendo, his assistant.
Civil Service United capped off an impressive campaign by securing 5th place with 43 points, boasting 11 wins, 10 draws, and 9 losses.
Their attacking efforts yielded 35 goals, while their defence conceded 27—a clear improvement from their 9th position at the end of the first round and an upward shift from their 8th-place finish with 37 points in 2023.
Early in the season, the spotlight was on Emmanuel Saviel, who netted 7 goals before transferring to Mighty Mufulira Wanderers in Zambia. Following his departure, the team leaned heavily on Festus Duwe, who rose to the occasion with 5 goals, including a memorable hat-trick in a dominant 3-0 win against Karonga United.
Masiya Manda too proved invaluable, clocking nearly 3,000 minutes on the pitch— evidence of his endurance and reliability.
Their biggest victories showcased their prowess, including a 4-0 thrashing of Chitipa United, a 3-0 triumph over Mzuzu City Hammers and the aforementioned Karonga United win.
One of their most dramatic moments came on 27th November at a waterlogged Civo Stadium, where they battled back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Mzuzu City Hammers secured 4th place with 48 points, marking a significant rise from their 12th-place finish in 2023 with just 36 points. This is their first time to finish on such a position.
However, their form dipped slightly in the second round after ending the first round in 3rd place with 25 points. They concluded the season with 13 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses, scoring 31 goals and conceding 32.
At home, the Hammers were formidable, recording 8 wins, 6 draws, and just 2 losses—their first being a narrow 1-0 defeat to Karonga United on 14th September and the second a 2-0 loss to eventual champions Silver Strikers on 30th October.
Away from home, however, the story was starkly different. Heavy losses, including an 8-0 humiliation by Mighty Wanderers in August and a 5-0 drubbing by Silver Strikers in July. Despite these setbacks, they registered notable away victories, such as a 3-1 win over Chitipa United, a 4-0 rout of Baka City, and a solid 3-0 triumph against MAFCO on the league’s final day.
Coach Kondwa Ikwanga admitted that defensive frailties plagued their season, lamenting, “Our defence let us down time and again.” Yet, goalkeeper Chancy Mtete managed 7 clean sheets, showing glimpses of stability at the back.
Below is one of Mtete’s super saves against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos
Offensively, the Hammers relied heavily on Isaac Msiska, who scored 8 goals in the first round and added 2 more in the second. In the latter half of the season, Isiah Nyirenda stepped up with 3 goals, while Samuel Adeyemi and Akeem Abioye provided additional firepower, ensuring the team remained competitive.
For a team accustomed to dominance, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ 2024 season reflected a stark fall from grace. Ranked 3rd with 55 points, this was a slight improvement from their 4th place at the end of the first round (23 points), but a significant dip from their league-winning form last season, where they amassed 60 points with only two defeats.
This season, they managed 14 wins, 13 draws, and 3 losses, scoring 42 goals while conceding 20. Their away form was a silver lining, securing 26 points from 6 wins, 8 draws, and a single loss, making them the second-best away team. At home, however, they collected 29 points (8 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses), ranking 4th for home performance.
Some matches exposed their frailties, notably a shocking 1-0 defeat at Kamuzu Stadium to relegation-bound Bangwe All Stars and a squandered 2-0 lead that ended in a 2-2 draw against Civil Service United. Other setbacks included a 2-1 defeat to Karonga United on 21st July and a narrow 1-0 loss to Silver Strikers on 2nd June.
Football analyst Anstey Chinombo pointed to declining attacking efficiency as a critical factor.
“They faced tougher competition from improving rivals. Their inability to turn draws into wins ultimately cost them,” he remarked.
Early in the season, the team relied on Patrick Mwaungulu, who scored 5 goals before leaving for TP Mazembe in DR Congo, together with Lanjesi Nkhoma. After his departure, the attacking burden fell on Babatunde Adepoje, who shone with 10 goals and 6 assists.
Defensively, goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu provided some stability with 7 clean sheets. However, team discipline and injuries plagued their campaign.
Star players like Precious Sambani, who went AWOL and had his contract terminated, and Hassan Kajoke, suspended for four months, disrupted the squad.
Chemis noted, “A changing squad and poor player coordination were significant challenges for Bullets this season, unlike Silver Strikers, who maintained stability.”
Head coach Calisto Pasuwa cited fatigue and poor playing surfaces as compounding issues but expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance given their shaky start.
“I am happy with our position. Considering how we began, one might have thought we’d finish 11th or 12th,” Pasuwa reflected.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers finished second in the 2024 TNM Super League with 58 points, accumulating 17 wins, 7 draws, and 6 defeats. However, this position mirrored their standing at the end of the first round when they had 28 points.
The team excelled at home this season, registering 10 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses—the second-best record in the league. Away, they were the third-best team with 7 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses. Wanderers demonstrated attacking flair, scoring 57 goals—the league’s second-highest tally—while conceding only 19.
Compared to the previous season, the team improved significantly. They had previously managed 15 wins, 10 draws, and 5 defeats, scoring 35 goals and conceding 16.
This season, their star player, Isaac Kaliati, earned the Golden Boot with 17 goals in 27 appearances.
Timothy Silwimba was instrumental, playing over 2,800 minutes, while goalkeeper William Thole kept 8 clean sheets. Creators Gaddie Chirwa and Isaac Kaliati contributed 9 assists each, with Stanley Sanudi adding 7 assists.
Wanderers showcased their dominance in memorable games, including a 10-0 thrashing of Baka City on 21st September, an 8-0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers on 10th June, and a 5-0 win against Mighty Tigers on 10th November, all at their Kamuzu Stadium home.
However, the team struggled in high-stakes matches. A 2-0 defeat to eventual champions Silver Strikers on 19th May at Silver Stadium, a 1-1 draw against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on 4th May, and a 2-1 loss to the same team on 26th October exemplified these challenges. A critical 1-0 defeat to Silver Strikers late in the season sealed their fate, leaving them 10 points behind the leaders with two games to spare.
Thomson Mpinganjira, the team’s President and Board Chairperson, expressed his disappointment, stating:
“I have sadly concluded that we do not have depth of both players and coaches in Malawi.”
Football Analyst Anstey Chinombo agreed, saying:
“Wanderers lacked depth to sustain their momentum. Defensive lapses and struggles in high-pressure moments saw them lose critical points as the title race intensified.”
Sports Analyst Parry Chinyama highlighted internal issues, alleging:
“Wanderers had negative team politics, with some players reportedly not listening to the technical panel.”
Chinyama also pointed to the instability in coaching, noting that Ramadhan Nsazurwimo, who started the season, was replaced by Meke Mwase, only for the campaign to be finished by Bob Mpinganjira.
“This might have disrupted their title chase overall,” he added.
Chemis echoed these sentiments, citing internal divisions and crucial points dropped in winnable games.
Silver Strikers clinched the title in emphatic style, amassing 67 points from 19 wins, 10 draws, and just one defeat. They scored a league-high 58 goals and conceded only 17—the fewest in the league.
Their improvement from the previous season was remarkable, where they had finished second with 16 wins, 9 draws, and 5 defeats, scoring 41 goals and conceding 18.
Anstey Chinombo credited their success to a balanced team:
“Silver Strikers excelled through a strong defensive setup, conceding just 15 goals, and an efficient attack averaging 1.8 goals per game. Their ability to perform consistently against top rivals set them apart from the competition.”
At home, they were unbeaten, recording 12 wins and 3 draws while scoring 35 goals and conceding just 7. Away, they were also the best-performing team, with 7 wins, 7 draws, and a single defeat. Their only loss was a 1-0 upset against FOMO, who were relegated shortly after.
They came close to achieving an unbeaten season, a record that could have surpassed the one set by the now-defunct ESCOM United in the 2009/10 season. That year, ESCOM United finished with 15 wins, 13 draws, and no losses but ultimately ended the season in second place, with Silver Strikers claiming the title.
Under new coach Peter Mponda, who joined from South Africa’s Black Leopards, Silver Strikers adopted a disciplined 4-3-3 formation. Mponda’s impact was evident, with big wins including a 6-1 victory over MAFCO on 20th November, a 5-1 result against the same team on 27th April, and a 5-2 triumph over Dedza Dynamos on the final day of the league.
Sports Analyst Dan Chemis praised Mponda’s management style, stating:
“Mponda is a no-nonsense coach. He would introduce a player and substitute him if he was underperforming. He had the dressing room under control when it was messy and had strong support from good management. This means the players gave their all.”
Defensively, George Chikooka kept 18 clean sheets, while MacDonald Lameck and Uchizi Vunga each contributed 9 assists.
Silver Strikers’ scoring options were anchored by Chimwemwe Idana, who netted three goals in the first round and added three more in the second. Duncan Nyoni also stepped up in the second round with three goals. However, during the first round, much of the team’s attacking focus was on Adiel Kaduya, who scored four goals before departing for the United States to pursue his studies.
Mponda, reflecting on the season, admitted:
“The season has not been easy for us despite clinching the title for the first time since 2013.”
Silver Strikers’ Board Chairperson, George Kaudza Masina, attributed their triumph to discipline:
“The team was well-disciplined and had won it in the first round.”
Super League of Malawi (SULOM) announced on its website that the 2024 season recorded a significant increase in gate revenue, generating K1,073,280,460 from 240 games.
This marks a 17.21% growth compared to the K915,726,999.01 collected during the 2023 season.
Among the top contributors to gate revenue, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets led the rankings with K95,549,979.13. They were followed by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who generated K83,741,963.04. Silver Strikers secured third place with K56,483,735.11, while Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos ranked fourth, contributing K26,653,085.11.
Reflecting on the league, TNM Chief Executive Officer Michel A. Hebert hailed the 2024 season as highly competitive:
“We are very proud to be part of the league. We want to make this partnership for many years to come.”
Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya commended the league’s management, saying:
“People doubted my leadership. I am hopeful that next season will be very exciting.”
With TNM increasing sponsorship to K500 million and boosting prize money earlier this year, the return dates of the 2025 TNM Super League are yet to be announced. One thing though remains clear; the just concluded season was a rollercoaster for most teams.
