Teams set to beef up

With the transfer window now open, most TNM Super League clubs have hinted at beefing up their squads in readiness for the second round.

The clubs say they have engaged their technical panels to guide them guidance on which areas need strengthening.

Champions and leaders Nyasa Big Bullets say they are waiting for guidance from their coach Kallisto Pasuwa.

The People’s Team chief administration officer Albert Chigoga, whose team leads the table with an 11-point gap, said they will not sit on their laurels thinking that they are in the comfort zone.

“Just because we have an 11-point lead does not mean we have to relax, but if there is need to beef up, the coach will guide us accordingly,” he said.

Rookies Sable Farming, who are second from the bottom in the 16-team top-flight, say they are planning to sign three players.

In an interview yesterday, one of the club’s directors Dyles Kachala said: “We are desperate to avoid relegation and our plans are to sign a goalkeeper, central midfielder and a striker.

“We are currently on the market looking for suitable players.”

Table anchors Rumphi United general secretary (GS) Jones Mokton said: “The plans are there, we just need to engage our technical team so that they advise us on the areas of need.”

On his part, Salima Sugar Dedza Dynamos GS Mabvuto Mugode said they will sign three or four players.

He said: “Our coaches have recommended that we should sign a goalkeeper, left-back, holding midfielder and probably a striker, so we are on it.”

Dedza are having a good run in their debut season. They finished seventh in the first-round to seal their place in the Airtel Top 8.

Third-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who trail leaders and arch-rivals Nyasa Big Bullets by 13 points, have also hinted at beefing up their squad.

The Nomads’ board secretary Humphrey Mvula said: “Any progressive team has ears and eyes to the ground looking for new players to beef up in areas seen to be lacking in performance and our team is no exception.

“But the board can only move on recommendations of the technical panel . We are presently playing friendly matches to pick from the squad the best combinations for the second round.

“We had a false start, but we could not change the squad drastically in the midst of  the first round as the saying goes sapukuta mfuti uli kunkhondo.”

On his part, Civil Service (Civo) United GS Ronald Chiwaula said their priority will be the striking force.

He said: “This is non-negotiable. We need to beef up, especially the frontline which performed miserably in the first round.

“We are already in talks with other clubs for possible loan transfers. Much as we are so much into developing our own talent, but results are also a recipe in such a menu. So, yes, we will invade the transfer market.”

Civo finished eighth in the first round to miss out on the Airtel Top 8 for the first time.

Second-placed Blue Eagles, who trail Bullets by 11 points, also said they are in the process of signing new players.

The Malawi Police Service side’s chairperson Alexander Ngwala said: “That is obvious. We are lacking firepower upfront, but good in defence looking at the goals we have conceded.”

But Silver Strikers chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali said they have no plans to beef up their squad.

The transfer window runs up to July 22.