By Praise Majawa:
The 2026 FDH Bank Premiership title race is entering its final stage of the first round, but the pace at the top has already made one thing clear, the 35-point record set by Mighty Wanderers last season will not be matched.
With three weeks remaining, Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles are leading the table on 25 points each from 12 matches. Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are two points behind on 23.
The Central Bankers have scored 20 goals, one more than Blue Eagles.
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For Blantyre rivals, Wanderers have also been more prolific, scoring 22 goals compared to Bullets’ 14.
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Even if Silver or Eagles win all their remaining three matches, they can only reach 34 points.
Wanderers’ 35-point tally from last season will therefore remain the benchmark.
The Nomads enjoyed an unbeaten first round in 2025, winning 10 and drawing five of their 15 matches to collect 35 points.
Bullets finished second with 34 points, while Silver Strikers had 30.
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The story is different this season.
Silver have won seven matches, drawn four and lost once. Eagles have eight wins, one draw and three defeats. Wanderers and Bullets have each won six, drawn five and lost once.
The final three matches will now decide which team can set the new first-round benchmark.
Defending champions Wanderers missed an opportunity to maintain their top position last Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium.
Speaking after the match, Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira called for more hard work in the remaining games.
“We will continue working hard to finish top. We need to work extra hard in the remaining games,” said Mpinganjira.
Meanwhile, Bullets returned to winning ways after a difficult spell.
The People’s Team ended a three-match winless run in all competitions with a 2-0 victory over Chitipa United at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
Bullets coach Wedson Nyirenda believes his side is making progress.
“We are improving. We are creating chances, which means we are playing well. We will keep on improving,” Nyirenda said.
