Despite operating on a thin budget of K48 million a year, Chitipa United have defied odds to stay in the TNM Super League title contention.
Chitipa finished the first round on position three having tied on points with second-placed Silver Strikers.
As the second round gets underway today, Chitipa have 29 points, one below leaders, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, at par with the Bankers and one above fourth-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Ironically, Bullets, Silver and Wanderers who operate at an estimated K500 million budget each were left weeping and gnashing their teeth when they met Chitipa.
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Wanderers were the first casualties, losing 1-0 at home before Bullets suffered defeat at Karonga Stadium.
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Silver could only afford a draw at home when they came against the rookies.
Chitipa Team Manager Watson Kabaghe said they rely on well-wishers to meet the club’s expenses.
“The good thing is that we have our own coaster and it helps us minimise costs. Instead of hiring, we spend on fuel only. We are delighted that our players have accepted to receive meagre allowances for the exposure they are getting,” he said.
Kabaghe said the team will also enhance replica sales to raise more revenue.
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He believes that the team’s decision to sign exciting Premier Division players instead of rejected Super League products has helped the side to challenge the big three.
“We have been relegated twice and both occasions we learnt lessons. We opted for youthful players from Premier Divisions. As a matter of fact, only three players have been with us since 2021. We have about six players with Super League experience,” Kabaghe said.
Before the start of the season, Chitipa appointed former Sable Farming coach MacDonald Mtetemera, who has transformed the side.
On his part, Mtetemera said injecting self-belief has been a crucial factor in transforming the side.
“It is good to have youthful players that are eager to learn. Despite our drills, I always encourage them to have confidence. We have our philosophy which the players are following strictly,” he said.
Sports analyst Kandani Ngwira commended Chitipa for their strong and consistent performance in the first round of the season.
“No one expected Chitipa to perform so well. It is a fresh breath to the neutrals who enjoy seeing an underdog bring down giants. It is a sign that the league is competitive and no team is guaranteed results.
“Chitipa’s performance teaches us many lessons. Lack of resources is no longer an excuse for poor performance. Chitipa are run on a shoestring budget but are in the top three at the conclusion of the first round. Therefore if any team’s performance is attributed to lack of funding, we must question their commitment,” he said.
Ngwira said the Northern Region side has demonstrated that it is better to trust young players who have not achieved anything before.
“With the right coaching, young players can be inspired to perform better. It also shows the power of a good coach; McDonald Mtetemera has transformed the team with his new ideas,” he said.
