Promotion candidates emerge
With the TNM Super League relegation candidates confirmed, a picture of their possible replacements from the regional premier divisions has emerged.
Although there are doubts on whether the rookies have the financial muscle required for their Super League survival, Evirom, Mponela and Karonga United, as of this week, top the regional leagues in the South, Centre and North respectively.
Evirom director Emmanuel Viola on Monday challenged that he had enough resources and depth of squad to withstand the heat in the Super League. In the last two seasons, no Southern and Northern region champions have survived when promoted.
“My business enterprise generates enough money. Transport expenses are the biggest challenge in the Super League and I have sorted this by buying a coaster. Nobody helped me with even a coin to fulfil cup fixtures against Super Eagles in Mzuzu. There should be no doubts on us,” said Viola.
Evirom thumped Machinga ADD 3-0 last weekend with the Premier Division’s leading scorer Harold Zulu on the scoresheet for his 18th goal in 25 games.
Evirom lead on 53 points. Nchalo United, Changalume Barracks and Chikhwawa United are other possible Peter Mutharika Southern Region Football League promotion candidates.
Mponela lead the Central Region division on 60 points from 27 games, three points ahead of Maicc FC who have played 29 games. On third place are Blue Eagles Youth with 56 points.
Chipiku Central Region Football League (CRFL) general secretary Benard Harawa said Maicc and Eagles have shown signs of financial stability whereas Mponela survive on goodwill.
“We expected to wind up the league by March 31 2013, but I cannot guarantee whether the three have the money to survive in the Super League,” said Harawa.
The Simama Northen Region Region Football League fixtures secretary Dominic Kambewa Msowoya promised to talk to the promotion favourites; leaders Karonga United (73 points from 28 games), Mzuzu University (72 points from 28 games) and Super Eagles (69 points in 26 games).
“We agreed as a committee to strategise on the teams’ sponsorship to avoid a repeat of what happened to Kabwafu United. Karonga, Mzuni and Super Eagles have assured me on their sponsorship prospects. The league ends first week of March,” Msowoya explained.
Chilemba battling chilly England weather
GARRY CHIRWA
Revered boxer Issac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba has admitted battling chilly conditions in England ahead of his bout against British boxer Tony Bellew.
The two will take to the ring in Livepool on March 30 for the right to challenge either reigning WBC champion Chad Dawson or Jean Pascal.
“I am training hard, although the weather is crazy. It is snowing a lot this side, but I got an indoor track to run in. Everything is going well so far and I do not see anything stopping me,” said Chilemba from Liverpool at the weekend.
Bellew recently told the British media that he is anticipating a tough bout against the Malawian who is ranked fifth in the world by the WBC.
The Liverpool light heavyweight boxer was quoted by The Daily Mail describing Chilemba as a “top-class opponent”.
“It is a massive fight and Isaac is really a top-class opponent. He beat Miranda at late notice and has only one defeat from five years ago.
“So, he will be well up for this and he is in good form. But I am on the edge of world title fight and I have worked too hard to give it away now,” said Bellew.
Promoter of the fight Eddie Hearn said: “It will be a crucial night for Tony with a win securing a well earned second world title shot.
“Isaac is a tough customer, though, and Tony will have to be at his best to get a win.”
The 25-year-old Chilemba will face Bellew in a final eliminator at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.
