The TNM Super League 2022 season has been marvelous with some players improving from their last season performances while others failed to replicate last seasons’ form.
The Atlas Malawi now takes a review of players who were a marvel to watch in the 2022 season after coming from a troubled 2021 season where they were just reduced to benchwarmers at their respective clubs.
5. HERBERT WAYEKHA
The Kamuzu Barracks Centre back was released by Silver Strikers at the beginning of the season after failing to impress ex-bankers coach Daniel Kabwe but he has now emerged as KB’s most reliable defender in the just ended season forming a formidable defence line for the Chioko boys where he partnered either Sam Chibvunde or Hope Namadzunda.
His clearances, blocks, leadership at the back and tackling has really improved from his past seasons at Silver.
Since the Farmers Organization Man of the match award was introduced with 11 games to wind up the season, Wayekha claimed the award twice. He also featured in 28 league games for the Chioko boys missing just 2 games due to suspension.
4. MIRACLE GABEYA
He left Nyasa Big Bullets to join rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers after disagreements over signing on fee. The People’s Team allowed him to leave as he was deemed surplus to requirements for coach Kalisto Pasuwa but his arrival at Lali Lubani saw him taking over Peter Cholopi’s place who was most the reliable defender at Wanderers last season. As usual he is still good in terms of clearances, aerial prowess but the key difference this season is that he has eradicated the errors that once plagued his game.
He also managed to get some crucial goals for the Lali Lubani side.
3. PATRICK PHIRI
Patrick Phiri is another player who looked like his time is over after his departure at Nyasa Big Bullets in 2021. He joined Blue Eagles where he failed to find a place in the first eleven. At the beginning of the 2022 season he made a bold decision to join Civo Service United where he revived his career. He performed admirably swapping roles as an attacking midfielder and striker sometimes.
Phiri has scooped more Farmers Organization Man of the match awards (3) in 11 matches more than any player in the League.
2. ENERST PETRO
He was converted from a winger into a central attacking midfield to fill the void left by the then Bullets’ best midfielder Mike Mkwate. Petro has emerged this season as a complete midfielder with capabilities of marking, pressing and creating chances. His passing has improved and he dictates Bullets play. In few games he did not feature his absence was felt and the People’s team struggled alot at the midfield to contain possesion.
1. BRIGHTON MUNTHALI
Probably the most improved player of the 2022 season.
After failing wrestle away the number 1 jersey at Silver Strikers,Brighton was on the move and he joined Blue Eagles where he quickly established himself as the number 1 for the Eliah Kananji side.
The shot stopper has tramendously improved. He has matured and developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the League. His fabulous saves, leadership has helped his team finish second on the table. The team has managed to keep 20 cleensheets and conceded only 10 goals this season.
Munthali has featured in 24 League games, conceding six and keeping 18 cleansheets in the process.
