Silver, Nomads clash in league opener
Defending champions Be Forward Wanderers and third-placed Silver Strikers will clash in the 2018 TNM Super League season opening match on April 14 at a venue yet to be announced.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) yesterday released first-round full fixtures with the Blantrye derby between Wanderers and their rivals Nyasa Big Bullets set for April 28.
Nine games have been lined up for the opening weekend of April 14-15, according to the fixtures.
As the Bankers and the Nomads are battling it out in the launch match, newly-promoted TN Stars will have a feel of the top-flight league with a home fixture against Blue Eagles at Kasungu Stadium.
Mzuzu University (Mzuni) will host rookies Nchalo United at Mzuzu Stadium.
Nchalo will wrap up the Northern Region trip with a fixture against Moyale Barracks the following day at the same venue.
Another newcomer Karonga United, will announce their arrival with a home fixture against Azam Tigers at Karonga Stadium.
Dwangwa United will be at home against Red Lions at Chitowe Stadium in Nkhotakota.
Bullets start their 2018 campaign on the road as they face Kamuzu Barracks on Sunday April 15 at Civo Stadium while Civil Sporting Club date Masters Security at their home Dedza Stadium.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda said they are yet to pick a venue for the league re-launch but hinted that the event will likely be held in Lilongwe.
“As you are aware we consult the sponsors and clubs on the re-launch function. We will announce the venue of the re-launch once with have agreed with these stakeholders,” he said.
However, three venues—Civo Stadium, Bingu National Stadium (BNS) and Silver Stadium—are likely to host the re-launch.
Last season the re-launch was held at Civo Stadium in a match Be Forward Wanderers beat the then defending champions Kamuzu Barracks 1-0.
Meanwhile, soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda has hailed Sulom for releasing the full first-round fixtures.
“At least clubs can now plan ahead. They know which teams they will play in the first round and that simplifies their planning in terms of the financed and on the pitch,” he said.
“But then the challenge is for Sulom to ensure these fixture are followed. We do not want to see changes being made afterwards without a proper reason.”
