Silver Strikers coach Stein Chirwa has said they have learnt a bitter lesson from being docked nine points in the TNM Super League and that they will want to avoid a repeat of that by involving their players in anti-violence campaign.
Chirwa said this after beating Mighty Wanderers 2-0 courtesy of Rodrick Gonani’s brace at Kamuzu Stadium in a result that mean that both sides, who were faulted for last season’s violence that cost Lemiyasi Josita a life, now have minus six points.
Before the game, Silver were to forfeit nine points whereas Wanderers were to be docked six points as punishment for the Balaka Stadium violence on December 28 2013.
“Silver now have minus six points and this is the first time in our history that we find ourselves in this situation. We have learnt a bitter lesson. We must sit down and sensitise our supporters who frequent our training ground on the consequences of violence,” said Chirwa.
The Silver coach, who apart from winning last season’s Super League title, has also won two bonanza championships and has challenged that the Bankers will win a fourth consecutive league title.
“We will offset the nine-point deficit. To us this is a challenge and every challenge has an answer. Silver is the benchmark of the Malawi top league. Being champions every team wants to beat us and we have what it takes to win. We have two players in each position ready to compete,” he said.
Wanderers coach Stuart Mbolembole, who has reportedly resigned, refused to grant the media interviews as he rushed to the dressing room amid chanting by the Nomads’ supporters. The match started with a one-minute silence in memory of Josita.
