Blantyre-based Super League heavyweights Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have expressed worry over poor pre-season preparations ahead of next month’s 2025 TNM Super League kick-off.
The league is scheduled to start on April 5.
The clubs fear that their preparations would be affected, with the senior national men’s team engaged till March-end.
The Flames are currently in camp preparing for the second leg of the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against Comoros.
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The match is slated for Saturday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
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According to the teams, the Flames have been in camp for close to a fortnight, with prospects that some of the players might remain with the side until March-end to face Namibia on March 20.
They will then fly to Tunis to meet Tunisia in the World Cup qualifiers.
The development means some players from big teams will only have a week to prepare, alongside teammates, for the new season, prompting some teams to register concern.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Panganeni Ndovi said the situation was not suitable as the team lacks coordination due to the absence of key players.
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“Apapa ndi mazunzo [It is like a punishment], but we believe the players will come back fit and free of injuries,” Ndovi, whose side has contributed attackers Gaddie Chirwa, Wisdom Mpinganjira, defenders Wallace Adam and Timothy Silwimba, said.
On his part, Bullets acting CEO Albert Chigoga registered similar concerns but was quick to say it was a national team call-up, such that they needed to support the cause.
“It is a crazy preseason to be honest. Nonetheless, we have no other option than to support our national team,” he said.
Bullets have supplied goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba, midfielders Yankho Singo, Lloyd Aaron, Wongani Lungu, defender Alick Lungu and striker Ephraim Kondowe.
However, Silver CEO Patrick Chimimba said his club would not be affected.
“We have a squad of about 30 players who are capable of playing at any time. Much as the national team engagements are closer to the start of the football season, we will not be affected at all,” Chimimba said.
The Central Bankers have contributed to the Flames, goalkeeper George Chikooka, defenders MacDonald Lameck, Nickson Mwase, Maxwell Paipi, Zebron Kalima, Washali Jaziya and Binwell Katinji.
Fam General Secretary Alfred Gunda could not be reached for a comment on the issue.
