Zomba United, Embangweni fail to survive in Super League

Following their 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Blantyre United on Saturday, Zomba United have taken it on the chin that their romance with the flagship TNM Super League is coming to an end and relegation now stares them in the face.

The old capital-based outfit is second from the bottom with 19 points from 25 games and even if they win their three remaining games, they will still finish among the bottom three.

Embangweni also do not stand any chance of  escaping the chop following their 5-0 loss to Moyale.

Zomba United’s general secretary Wanangwa Jere threw in the towel on New Year’s Eve and conceded that it is all over for his side.

And borrowing President Bingu wa Mutharika’s words, Jere in a light-hearted tone said : “Satana anatikhalira pa msana. We were not good enough this season though we had support from Zomba City Council. We will have to start all over again in the lower league.

“We just have to accept the reality and reorganise ourselves.”

Blantyre United moved to two points behind reigning champions and leaders Escom United who have 44 points.

Abraham Kamwendo, Tizgowere Kumwenda, Sunday Kamuyang’ana and Jimmy Chikulekule scored a goal each for Blantyre United whereas Wid Umali scored the consolation for the Zomba boys.

Blantyre United’s technical director Lawson Nakoma described it as a perfect farewell to 2011 as they continue the chase for league honours.

“The win means we have boosted our chances of winning the championship. Hopefully, we’ll do well in our remaining four games,” said Nakoma.

Zomba United coach Tony Mhone said his team only trained from Thursday and his players lacked match fitness.

“We did not play well today, but we will work hard in the remaining three games,” he said.

At Balaka Stadium, other title contenders Mighty Wanderers and Civo United settled for a goalless draw.

Nomads coach Franco Ndawa said it was not a bad result because it was generally a fair game.

“A point is better than nothing, but we have to work hard because the battle for the title is not yet over,” he said.

Civo coach Alex Masanjala shared Ndawa’s sentiments that it was a balanced game.

In the capital, Epac inflicted revenge on Blue Eagles with a 1-0 win. The flagship league leading scorer Ishmail Thindwa scored the lone goal and took his tally to 18.

Johnny Kasalika