TNM Super League title to be decided today

The TNM Super League deciders, ladies and gentlemen, are on this afternoon. It is time to separate men from boys as Escom United, Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers take their battle for the TNM Super League title to the wire with potentially explosive last assignments.

Leaders and defending champions Escom, who sit at the summit with 47 points, wrap up their campaign facing a win-or-bust challenge against inspired Silver, on a memorable date with destiny.

The contest for the flagship league title has been reduced to a three-horse race for the K8 million ($48 000) ultimate prize.

At 45 points, Silver trail Escom by just two points, making it one of the most closely contested league title.

On the other hand, the Nomads, who also have 45 points, wind up the campaign with a tricky away fixture against Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu.

Wanderers will be crossing their fingers that the Blantyre decider should end in a draw and that they, too, should beat Moyale by a three-goal margin, to clinch the title on a better goal difference. A feat not beyond the realms of possibility, but quite a tall order.

For now, it appears Escom and Silver are in complete control of their destiny and either team that wins today’s contest will be crowned champions, but such is the beauty of football that anything can happen.

For the better part of the second round, the Nomads were nowhere near the top three, but they are now in hot contention and it looks promising in the blue side of town.

Apparently, all the three teams were cautious in the countdown to the deciders.

Escom’s mentor Charles Manda and one Silver’s caretaker coaches Hellings Mwakasungula said any of the three teams has a chance to clinch the title.

Said Manda: “At this stage, anything can happen. There is no team that is in the comfort zone. We are close to the championship, yes, but I think we have a big challenge in our hands.”

Manda played down the boycott that his charges staged last week, saying they have had a full week to prepare.

He also said the fact that they will wind up the league at home gives his side a psychological boost. When the two teams met in the opening encounter of the league in Lilongwe, Escom won 3-1. Then, Ndaziona Chatsalira shined like a beacon

“The most important thing is that we should not put ourselves under unnecessary pressure,” Manda said.

Veteran forward Heston Munthali, who has been inspirational in an extraordinary season for the Electricians, is confident of helping his side to their second league title in a row.

Like old vintage wine, Munthali keeps getting better with age. He will be aided by the combative promptings of diminutive Noel ‘Amfumu’ Mkandawire, Chatsalira, Chimwemwe Nyakamera, Bernard Harawa, James Chilapondwa and Young Chimodzi Jnr.

The star-studded Bankers will run onto the pitch carrying the psychological boost of having demolished Moyale 4-1 last weekend. Their strikers Rodrick Gonani, Tony Chitsulo and Asedi Ayami, midfielders Frank Banda, Peter Pindani, Harvey Mkacha and Kelvin Mkandawire carry the hopes.

Mwakasungula said although the championship appears within touching distance, courtesy of his side’s superior goal difference, anything can happen.

Silver beefed up their squad with players such as Mustafa Salimu, Clement Mvula and Frank Banda and made a dramatic improvement after firing their Dan Dzinkambani-led coaching panel, replacing it with a four-member caretaker panel comprising Mwakasungula, Itaye Nundwe, Sibusiso Padambo and Thom Mkorongo.

“The dream is close to coming true, but it is important that we do not get too excited. We have to play to win and we have to be at our best. We have to win the championship for ourselves,” Mwakasungula said.

Nomads coach Frank ‘Franco’ Ndawa said they will fight for every inch of the way.

“We will not be concerned about what is happening in Blantyre. Escom and Silver will be playing for their cause and we will be playing for ours, too. As things stand, the race is not over yet, but we are not putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves,” said Ndawa.

The Nomads are aware of the threat the Mzuzu-based soldiers pose to their title aspirations.

Twice in their recent Standard Bank Knockout Cup meetings, the Nomads bit the dust and Ndawa is aware of the mighty task his men would face to try and chalk the much-needed win.

The Nomads will look up to the lad of the moment Gerald ‘Papa’ Phiri Jnr, Anthony Banda, Cuthbert Sineta, Alfred Manyozo Jnr and hard tackling Nafe Msasa for salvation.

Moyale, however, have nothing much to play for since their fate has already been sealed, but their opponents will be out in full force for a crucial win, which might secure them the championship.