Civo in drop zone, Wizards climb
Civo United’s TNM Super League second round winless run coupled with victories for other relegation fighters over the weekend have sunk the fading Lilongwe giant into the drop zone.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) latest log table shows that Civo has dropped two places to 14th largely because they could only manage a one-all draw with Mzuni FC on Saturday.
After playing 23 matches, the Civil Servants have a pitiful return of 21 points averaging a point gain in each game.
Civo coach Charles Manda blamed his team’s current situation on lack of fire-power upfront.
“We are creating a lot of scoring chances, but we can’t convert even the simple tap-ins. These are basic things which strikers are supposed to be doing effortlessly,” he said.
However, Manda was adamant that the drop into the relegation mire is just temporary.
“I believe we will come back much stronger now because being in relegation zone is the worst thing to happen. I am not under pressure because I know results will change,” he said.
Premier Bet Wizards surprise 1-0 win over Kamuzu Barracks meant they climbed out of relegation to 13th while Dwangwa United moved up a step into 12th after being awarded three points following MTV Max Bullets’ failure to pitch up at Chitowe ground on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Epac has maintained a place in the top 10 after wading off a Mzuni FC comeback in an entertaining encounter at Civo Stadium on Sunday.
“It was a tough match especially in the final stages, but I am pleased we managed to see it through,” said Audlow Makonyola whose side is now ninth with 33 points from 24 matches.
Mzuni is now seventh on the log table with 35 points from 24 matches. Their coach Alex Ngwira said finishing in top 10 would be a great achievement for a team that spent much of last season in relegation fight.
Mafco, who were also awarded three points on Saturday following Max Bullets’ failure to appear in Dwangwa, lead the 16-team league with 44 points from 23 games, just a point ahead of second-placed Silver Strikers who were held to a barren draw by defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets .
Bullets are third with 42 points from 24 matches. n
