Silver Strikers are now out of the race for the TNM Super League title following their goalless draw against rookies TN Stars in Kasungu on Sunday.
With only two games before wrapping up their league assignments, the Central Bankers are second with 53 points—seven points behind leaders Nyasa Big Bullets—who have played two games less.
This means that even if Silver win both their remaining games, they will not overtake the Blantyre-based People’s Team.
As it was last season, the fight for the title is now a two-horse race between Bullets and reigning champions Be Forward Wanderers.
However, the odds appear to swing in Bullets’ favour as they are nine points clear of their age-old rivals although the Nomads have a game in hand.
Silver chairperson Ralph Tseka, whose side last won the title five years ago, yesterday said despite being out of contention, they will soldier on.
“It is not the end of the world, we will still fight on and see where it takes us to.
“We are also taking part in the CAF Confederation Cup and, therefore, apart from fighting for a top-three finish, the remaining games will help us tune up for the continental tournament,” he said.
Silver have been drawn against a Gabonese side A.O CMS in the preliminary round and the winners will face either Raja Casablanca of Morocco or RD from Congo.
Silver were arguably the highest spending side on the local transfer market this season, having roped in a number of new players such as Jack Chiona, Mphatso Philiemon, Lazarus Nyemera and Newman Mwamsamale.
After being held to a one-all draw by Silver recently, the Nomads chairperson Gift Mkandawire threw in the towel, conceding that Bullets had run away with the title.
“Mathematically we are still in it, but realistically ‘Neba’ has snatched it away from us.
“This is not about mind games, but accepting the reality harsh is it may sound,” he said then.
However, Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira said they have not given up hope and will fight to the end.
