Nomads win league after 11 years

It might have taken them 11years, but Be Forward Wanderers on Saturday ended their lengthy wait for the TNM Super League title in spectacular fashion with a comprehensive 4-1 demolition of Masters Security to give Nyerere a timely Christmas gift.

And that they sealed the title at Balaka Stadium, which they have turned  into a fortress, made it even sweeter.

There were scenes so lovely in Balaka which could only have been fit for the angels in their flight as the Nomads celebrated their special moment.

They turned the stadium into a theatre of celebrations with their traditional bekeshu dance–joined by their enthusiastic fans–and in that wave of ecstacy, the atmosphere was a wonder to behold.

Such was the luxury that the Lali Lubani Road outfit sealed the title with a game to spare against Red Lions.

They have 68 points-six ahead of their age-old rivals and second-placed Nyasa Big Bullets who came from behind to hold Dwangwa United 1-1 at Chitowe in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.

Nomads coach Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman said it felt good to win the league after over a decade.

“It wasn’t easy at all and the players, fans and all those associated with the team deserve a special mention and big thank you,” he said.

Captain Joseph Kamwendo said it was all down to team work.

“We have come a long way but we held on. Thanks to the fans, management, technical staff, sponsors and, above all, my fellow players,” he said.

By the interval, the Nomads were already a step into the promised land as they comfortably led 3-0.

Peter Wadabwa drew first blood in the 19th minute after Masters goaltender failed to handle a cross from Isaac Kaliati.

Wadabwa claimed a brace six minutes later with a sharp header from a Ted Sumani cross.

Then defender Foster Namwela, the only surviving member from the Nomads side that last won the league in 2006, added the third when he swung upfield to head home a Joseph Kamwendo’s well-curled free-kick.

But Masters pulled one back from the penalty spot awarded after Alfred Manyozo Jnr had handled in the box.

Up stepped Precious Kalumo to convert the spot kick.

But the Nomads were not done yet and battle-hardened forward Esau Kanyenda struck the fourth in the 57th minute and the Nomads were back in town.