The Atlas Malawi

Category: Sports

  • Chipiku title race hots up as Wimbe detains League leaders

    Chipiku title race hots up as Wimbe detains League leaders

    The ups and downs of the K15.5million Chipiku Premier Division first round of round of six teams continues as Extreme FC lost away to Wimbe United, leaving the title race open to other clubs.

    It was the first defeat for Extreme FC who leads the table with nine points from four games. On the other hand Wimbe United claimed their first victory since the round of six phase begun.

    Wimbe United were 1-0 up at half time thanks to Elemiya Phiri’s strike.

    The lead was cancelled deep inside second half courtesy of Ellad Maloni’s own goal.

    Moments later Sam Nijanda restored the lead for the host with a fine finish before Jawadu Ausi missed an opportunity to increase the lead as his attempt from the spot was saved by Extreme FC goalkeeper.

    Wimbe United kept on pressuring the league leaders until Yamikani Master sealed the victory with the third goal of the afternoon.

    Speaking after the match Wimbe United coach Monkey Chirwa says the win is a morale boast to his side.

    “It was a very important game and the win has given us morale ahead of upcoming fixtures” said Chirwa.

    His opponent Joseph Malizani conceded the defeat.

    “We struggle alot in the first half and we failed to make good moves into the opponents final third but a lose has given as homework and we will definitely work on our weaknesses” said Malizani

    The results means Extreme FC remains top with 9 points while Wimbe United have climbed second with five games. Both have played four games.

    At the Blue Gym, Silver Strikers Reserves have also registered their first win of the round of six as they beat Mbabzi United 2-1.

    Frank Sanudi and Justice Honde were on target for Silver Reserve while Mbabzi got their consolation goal from Sosten Mtoso.

    Coach for Silver Strikers Reserve McDonald Yobe said “the guys played very good football especially in the first half, I have to say congrats to them”

    Mbabzi United assistant coach Justine Waya believes his team missed it in the first half.

    “We gave them much respect in the first half, we were second on the ball and we were failing to close their passing spaces but come second half we improved and got a goal only that we squandered some good chances” said Waya

    Bankers Reserve are now fourth with four points from three games while Mbabzi United who remains winless in three matches stays at the bottom with a single point.

  • LUANAR edge Wimbe in a five-goal thriller

    LUANAR edge Wimbe in a five-goal thriller

    Luanar FC edged Wimbe United in a five-goal thriller on Saturday afternoon to move four points off the top of the Central Region Chipiku Premier Division League.

    Chikumbutso Banda and Innocent Makawano twice gave Luanar the lead, but each time the advantage was cancelled out by Wimbe United equalizers from Mwiza Jere inside the opening half of the game. But there was to be no answer to Hastings Idk’s second half winner.

    A 3-2 win over Wimbe at Kamuzu Barracks Ground may not have been the most exciting of results for the Millias Pofera Jegwe’s men, but it does see Luanar leapfrog their opponents to climb to second.

    It was Luanar’s first win since the league gets into the round of six teams where the champion will be promoted to the TNM Super League.

    The Mchinji based side has so far drawn twice and the win on Saturday lifted them to second as they accumulated five points and trail leaders Extreme FC with four points both from three games.

    Wimbe United dropped to fourth as they remain with two points and are tied on points with Support Battalion who maintained third position as they have superior goal difference.

    Mbabzi United and Silver Strikers Reserve have accumulated fifth and sixthe positions with one point each.

  • Blessings Tembo bids farewell message to Bankers

    Blessings Tembo bids farewell message to Bankers

    Blessings Tembo as thanked Silver Strikers management and supporters in for terminating his stay at the Area 47 club.

    The veteran midfielder took to his Facebook page to confirm rumours that his contract at Silver Strikers has been terminated.

    “I would like to inform you that am no longer Silver player and what you heard about me and Silver for the past 2 days was true.

    “I would like to thank Silver Strikers management, team mates and fans for your love during my time” said Tembo

    For the past days, local media was awash with reports that Silver Strikers have terminated Tembo’s contract together with Taonga Chimodzi and Frank Banda.

    Banda was the first to confirm his departure but he denied about the termination of his contract.

    “What I know is that my contract expired and I had no running contract with the team.

    “They have terminated the contracts for Blessing Tembo and Taonga Chimodzi who have remained with three or four months, but I have welcomed this decision with both hands and you will know my next move soon” said Banda

    There have been rumours that Silver Strikers wants to axe other four players as they prepare for next season.

  • Blue Eagles confirm record K12m transfer

    Blue Eagles confirm record K12m transfer

    Blue Eagles FC have confirmed the departure of striker Gaddie Chirwa to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on a domestic record of K12 million which includes K7.5 million transfer fee and K4.5 million sign on fee.

    The deal has been confirmed on Blue Eagles official Facebook page on Saturday morning after discussion that took the two sides about two weeks to reach an agreement.

    “Blue Eagles FC wishes to inform all that it has reached an agreement with Mukuru Wanderers for the transfer of GADDIE CHIRWA on a record 7.5 Million Kwacha Deal.

    “The agreement follows a chain of discussions, consultations and negotiations involving both parties” reads Eagles statement

    Chirwa had an outstanding season with Eagles in 2022, scoring 10 goals and registering 4 assists in 30 League matches.

    Mighty Mukuru Wanderers are understood to have beaten Nyasa Big Bullets to Chirwa’s signature.

    He becomes the Nomads third signing in the current transfer window, following Mphatso Kamanga from Karonga United and Christopher Kumwembe from Civo Service United.

  • NBB Reserve reveals transfer plans after grabbing Nyasa Capital Finance Cup

    NBB Reserve reveals transfer plans after grabbing Nyasa Capital Finance Cup

    Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve coach Enos Chatama says he will be bolstering his squad ahead of the next season.

    Chatama revealed this after his charges successfully defended the Nyasa Capital Finance Cup on Wednesday afternoon edging past Ndirande Stars 2-1 in a thrilling cup final played at Kamuzu Stadium.

    Despite donating a wholesale of players to the main team,the young Bullets have continued to impress under Chatama and now the mentor says he is still building a team and wants to add new faces ahead of the new season.

    In a post match interview Chatama was quoted as saying he has already identified some new faces to add depth to his squad as he anticipates departure of other players who are destined for the senior team.

    “I can see bright future for this team, there’re few areas to beef up we have got a good team but we are just lacking depth whereby when one or two players are injured it’s too difficult to replace them but we have already scouted some talents which we’re going to bring in and we are going to make good future for Bullets” said Chatama

    Chatama further said his boys have shown masterclasses by beating Super League teams and he believes some of them are ready for senior team.

    Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve has performed tramendously this season, winning a remarkable three trophies and reaching FDH Cup final despite losing 13 players to the senior team and other Super League Clubs last before season started.

    Since his appointment at the Reserve side, Chatama has scouted and brought in numerous talent to the Reserve side and some have graduated to the senior team where that have had excellent performances.

    After winning Nyasa Capital Finance Cup today, it means Chatama has now won three trophies this season as he added to PowerStart Cup and Aubrey Dimba Trophy and is looking is remaining with ThumbsUp Southern Region League to repeat last year’s record of winning a haul of trophies.

  • Bullets Reserve on seventh mission

    Bullets Reserve on seventh mission

    Premier Division side, Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve will be looking to grab seventh trophy in two seasons as they face Division one team, Ndilande Stars this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in Southern Region Nyasa Capital Finance final match.

    The Enos Chatama side beat Nsanje United to reach final where as Ndilande Stars defeated Balaka FC in the Semi finals.

    This will be the seventh time Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve have reached final of regional competition as they managed to sweep all trophies.

    Last season they won Southern Region Thumbs up League, Nyasa Capital Finance Cup, Power start Cup and Aubrey Dimba Trophy.

    This season they have already defended Power start Trophy and Aubrey Dimba trophy as they eye to complete another haul of trophies by winning today’s final and League in coming weeks.

    Speaking ahead of today’s final, Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve coach Enos Chatama said his team is ready but has warned his players against underrating their opponents.

    “The guys are ready we’ve been training all season long, we’ve played so many games up to this game I think the boys should be ready for any Challenges ahead of them.

    “I’ve watched Ndilande Stars so many times, they are a good team and probably the best team in division one, they have been winning so many games to reach this far they have knocked out so many teams they should be a good team and a tough opposition in Thursday’s Cup Final” said Chatama

    When providing squad news Chatama confirmed that all his reliable players will be available for selection this afternoon.

  • Loud utterances in Chipiku League as coaches agree to disagree

    Loud utterances in Chipiku League as coaches agree to disagree

    Officials from the Central Region Chipiku Premier Division teams have expressed their anger on what they call ‘biased officiation’ from the referees.

    Luanar FC were the first team to complain about officiation last weekend when they played out a 3-3 draw against Silver Strikers Reserve.

    This proceeded to the mid week fixtures as both Wimbe United and Support Battalion coaches slammed referees for some errors that denied them victories.

    Support Battalion coach Alick Chirwa said “It was a good game, we were supposed to win but referees robbed us maximum points. Their last goal was not supposed to stand”

    His opponent Jam Binali also pointed the Support Battalion’s last goal saying it was scored from an offside position.

    Support Battalion relayed on a brace from Gift Kadam’manja and a goal from Lumbani Mkandawire to secure a draw where as Wimbe United three goals came from Philip Mkandawire, Yankho Sikelo and Jawadu Ausi.

    There was another outcry in a game between Extreme FC and nine-man Mbabzi United which ended 2-1 in favour of the former.

    Chifundo George gave Extreme the lead which was cancelled by Sosten Esau for Mbabzi United. But Aaron Chikuni restored Extreme lead inside seven minutes of added time to give his side a 2-1 victory.

    Joseph Malizani coach for Extreme FC admitted it wasn’t an easy match.

    “We failed to play our usual game because our opponent were using aerial balls, it was 1-1 at 90 minutes, we tried to incourage our boys to keep on fighting and we got a goal towards the last minutes of the added time” said Malizani

    Mike Banda for Mbadzi United believes referees had a hand on their stumble.

    “Two red cards against us costed us three points, we have conceded the defeat but I would urge referees to handle games fairly without favouring any team” said Banda

    The win has helped Extreme to open seven points gap over second placed team Wimbe United. Extreme has played three games, one more than Wimbe United.

  • If you don’t have money don’t attempt to buy players – Eagles lectures Wanderers

    If you don’t have money don’t attempt to buy players – Eagles lectures Wanderers

    Blue Eagles has hit out at Mighty Mukuru Wanderers over sentiments made by a Nomads official (Name withheld) who claimed that a team sponsored by a non-profit making entity, (Malawi Police) Blue Eagles FC should be selling players at a low price.

    This is the latest episode to the ongoing verbal war between Wanderers and Eagles over the impending transfer of Eagles talisman Gaddie Chirwa who has already handed in a transfer request at area 30 as he is on the verge of joining the Lali Lubani outfit.

    It has been reported in the local media that Chirwa has agreed personal terms with Wanderers but the transfer is delaying as Wanderers are reluctant to meet Eagles’ asking price of K9millon.

    Writing on their official Facebook page, Blue Eagles replied angrily saying Wanderers should stop playing monkey tactics when buying players.

    Reads part of the Statement: “Truth be told, this is a JOKE OF THE CENTURY as it takes lots of resources for us to scout a player, to take them on board and to develop them to the highest standard possible. The investment therein cannot be disputed.

    “If a particular team does not have enough resources in terms of money, it should not bother itself ‘attempting’ to buy a player from another team”

    “Teams with money in their coffers don’t play monkey tactics when it comes to roping in a player from another Club”.

    According to Eagles Chirwa has a year remaining on his contract.

    This is the second time for Blue Eagles and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to fight over a player as the same also happened two seasons ago when Vitumbiko Kumwenda forced a move to Lali Lubani.

  • Wolves finish 12th at CAVB Zone 6 games

    Wolves finish 12th at CAVB Zone 6 games

    Wolves Men Volleyball Team had a surprise run in the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone VI Senior Club Championships played at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) Lusaka Zambia from December 14 to 21, 2022.

    Speaking to the Media, Coach of Wolves Volleyball Club Sakurai Mbanda said that he was satisfied with how the men’s team faired during the CAVB Championship concluding that it’s been a successfully tournament.

    “This was our first year competing in this tournament and our target was not to be last so after playing seven games, we lost some games but we were able to beat some national champions as well. We are on the right track because championships can be won over a period of four years,” he said.

    Mbanda highlighted the weaknesses which the team had in the midst of their technical ability namely lack of height in the team and hopes the squad will be beefed up to address the problem.

    “It’s been an eye opener for the boys from seeing their opponents train, to observing the execution of systems of play used during the games. We defeated the champions from Lesotho and Zimbabwe and for the gameslost, we were able to push the games to the wire,” he said.

    The Men finished as number 12 out of 18 teams from five teams in Pool C, among their games they lost to Police VI from Botswana 3-1, but beat Redskins from Lesotho 3-1 and later won against Naba from Zimbabwe 3-0.

    Mbanda said the ladies Wolves team struggled through the tournament but gave absolute assurance that they will improve in the upcoming tournaments.

    The Ladies team emerged fourth in their pool with three points among the games played they lost to BDF VI from Botswana 3-1 then beat Harare city 3-1 and lost Green Buffalo from Zambia 3-0.

    In the final standings Academica of Maputo from Mozambique were the winners in the women’s catergory with Police VI from Botswana as runners up followed by Kamplits from South African and Prison Leopards from Zambia.

    For the men Green Buffaloes from Zambia won gold, Academica of Maputo from Mozambique got Silver, University of Zimbabwe Wolves from Zimbabwe was third while Prison Leopards from Zambia became fourth.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Final Journey to Super League Begins: Extreme bounce back as Airborne hold Luanar

    Final Journey to Super League Begins: Extreme bounce back as Airborne hold Luanar

    Mchinji based Extreme FC bounced back from last weekends’ 17-1 defeat to Kamuzu Barracks Reserve as they beat Silver Strikers Reserve 2-1 in the Chipiku Premier Division League on Wednesday afternoon to enhance their chances of earning promotion into the top flight league.

    Their heavy defeat last weekend raised so many question on how the Group B leaders could lose with such a huge margin against a mid-table team in their last matches of the second phase of the league.

    The soccer fraternity wondered if the 2021 runners up are really serious on their mission to get TNM Super League promotion but on Wednesday they showed what they are capable of as they left everything behind to claim a hard fought 2-1 win over Silver Strikers Reserves in the last phase of the League which will produce Super League representative among the remaining six teams.

    Hitman Beston Jimu and Junior Banda were on target for Extreme FC while Steven George scored the consolation goal for the young Bankers.

    At Lilongwe Community, Luanar FC failed to use home ground advantage as they played out to a 1-1 draw against Support Battalion.

    Gift Kadam’manja opened the scores for the Mvera based Soldiers before Chikumbutso Banda equalized.

    Coach for Luanar FC Millias Pofera Jegwe blamed congested fixtures for the draw.

    “After finalizing round of 12 games over the weekend we thought we will be given a one-week break so we released our players but on Monday we were told to proceed with games and we only trained yesterday and that affected our preparations” said Jegwe

    His opponent Alick Chirwa said: “We deserved to win, we controlled the match and we scored first but of concentration at the back costed us maximum points as we handed our opponents an opportunity to equalize”.