By Isaac Salima
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have been crowned champions of the TNM Super League for the fifth successive time after playing out to a one-all draw against Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre yesterday.
Bullets’ supporters painted the stadium red as they thronged it to see their team being crowned kings for a record 17th time.
Patrick Mwaungulu scored Bullets’ goal in the 58th minute to take his team’s tally in the league to 60 points. However, Patrick Macheso cancelled the lead in the 75th minute.
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The Bankers, who have ended up on second position with 56 points, came into the match with an insurmountable task of winning it with at least four goals without a reply.
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Knowing how tough it would be for Silver to claim an infamous victory at Bullets’ faultless backyard, the Bullets family filled the stadium to capacity, seemingly waiting for the time to be handed the league title.
The trophy, which was placed in front of several dignitaries who watched the match, glittered for the entire 90 minutes of the football encounter.
Artist of the moment Zeze Kingston spiced up the match as he ditched some of his best songs before the teams made their way onto the pitch for business of the day.
Silver Coach Peter de Jongh was, as usual, restless on the bench as he waited for a miracle from his boys. The Bankers mentor continued troubling fourth official Mwayi Msungama, who reported the matter to the referee Gift Chiko, who later showed the Dutchman matching orders.
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The People’s Team have now grabbed their 17th league title since the introduction of the league in 1986. Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa was a happy man after the match.
“The boys are tired and tried to manage the game. We got the result that we wanted. It is how you plan, giving every player a chance to play, that has assisted us to win the league title,” Pasuwa said.
His counterpart, de Jongh said some decisions midway through the league cost them the league.
Meanwhile, Eagles have been relegated from the league after over 20 years in the league The police side has joined Red Lions and Extreme heading to the lower tier. Eagles failed to utilise home ground advantage to lose to Mafco 1-2 yesterday.
Despite tying at 35 points each with Moyale Barracks, Eagles have bowed down on head to head rule after Moyale thrashed fellow military side Red Lions 7-0 at Mzuzu Stadium to boost their survival chances.
