National Sports

Army teams eye Super League despite restrictions

 

Some Malawi Defence Force (MDF) clubs are optimistic of playing Super League football upon earning promotion despite the Army planning to reduce the number of its teams in the top flight division.

Chilumba Barracks were victims of the reforms when they were forced to withdraw from Super League before the current season kicked off.

The MDF cited lack of funds, amidst economic turmoil prevailing in the country, as the key reason.

It also announced to cut its representation in the Super League from four teams to three.

Airborne Rangers hope to return to the Super League
Airborne Rangers hope to return to the Super League

Meanwhile, Airborne Rangers and Support Battalion, who are currently among the best performers in the Chipiku Central Region Football League (CRFL) still hope to play in the Super League.

Having two games in hand, Battalion are third with 43 points, just two behind leaders TN Stars while Rangers are fifth with 41 points, three off the top, but have a game in hand.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Battalion coach Alick Chirwa said they have received “some assurances” from the MDF leadership that if they earn promotion they could play in the Super League.

On his part, Rangers assistant team manager Patrick Tawanya also expressed hope that Super League football   would be a possibility if the team is promoted.

“All we want to show the MDF management is that we deserve to be in the top-flight league. This can be done by winning the title and earning promotion,” he said.

Tawanya admitted that players were demoralised when they learned that promoted Army teams will not have a place in the Super League.

“The biggest prize which lower league teams like ours dream of is to play in the Super League. It was, therefore, understandable that the players were discouraged. But we urged them to win the title and hope that our leaders will loosen the restrictions,” he said.

Meanwhile, MDF spokesperson Colonel Paul Chiphwanya said if any of their teams earn promotion, they will discuss how to forge ahead

Moyale, Mafco, Kamuzu Barracks and Red Lions are the MDF sponsored sides currently campaigning in the 16-member Super League. n

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