Super league line up now complete
The Super League line-up is now complete following the confirmation by the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) that Karonga United will replace Chilumba Barracks.
Sulom president Innocent Bottomani on Monday said they have formally communicated to the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) to promote Karonga United.
“We had a meeting with Malawi Defence Force [MDF] authorities last week where we tried to persuade them to reconsider their decision on Chilumba, but they stuck to their guns saying it will be costly to sponsor a team from Karonga.
However, the Sulom boss said in the wake of the development, the K5 million (about $7 274) fine imposed on Chilumba still stands.
“Money was already spent on logistics such as uniforms and compensation has to be paid.”
NRFA chairperson Lameck Khonje said Karonga United were already informed about the prospects of playing in the top-flight league and they accepted.
MDF director of training Major Alick Mhone recently said they are planning to trim the number of teams in the Super League to three by next year.
Meanwhile, Sulom has also confirmed recently relegated Wizards as the 16th team having won their play-off match against Airborne Rangers and the subsequent withdrawal of Dedza Young Soccer Saints from the play-offs.
Wizards FC owner Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said despite selling the bulk of their key players, they are ready for the TNM Super League.
“We are ready for the league and we will not just participate, but compete.
“Of course, we sold the cream of our squad from last season, but that is not an excuse. We are geared,’” he said.
Mponda said from a squad of 30 players they had last season, they are left with 16.
“We are also in the process of roping in two new players, Jacob Ngwira and Wanipa Gondwe formerly of Be Forward Wanderers and Red Lions respectively.
“They are already training with us and they are doing well. So, the future looks bright,” he said.
During off-season, Wizards sold Brightone Munthali, Steve Micheta, Levison Maganizo, Mark Fodya and Patrick Thuso to Silver Strikers, Ernest Tambe and Rafique Namwera to Be Forward Wanderers and Mike Mkwate to Nyasa Big Bullets while the others were loaned out to lower division sides.
