New coaches for TNM Super League teams got off to dream starts in their matches over the weekend as they collected full points against their better-positioned opponents.
The new coaches are Abel Mkandawire, Andrew Bunya and Trevor Kajawa.
Mkandawire led Bangwe All Stars to a remarkable 3-2 victory over Silver Strikers while Kajawa’s Karonga United beat Ekwendeni Hammers 4-1.
Former Dedza Young Soccer coach Bunya announced his arrival in the country’s elite football as, just days after taking over at bottom-of-the-table Extreme, he managed a 2-1 win over Mafco.
The three clubs hired the experienced coaches after Football Association of Malawi cautioned them against the continued use of underqualified personnel.
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Before Mkandawire, Bangwe had Joseph Kamwendo in the hot seat following coach Mabvuto Lungu’s demotion to the reserve side while Karonga were being mentored by Luka Milanzi after coach Kondwa Ikwanga threw in the towel after a string of poor results.
At the time of Bunya’s coming, former Flames defender Elvis Kafoteka was in charge following the sacking of Joseph Malizani.
Mkandawire said he believes Bangwe can finish the season in the top five.
“We have a wonderful team with skilful players. It is a team that can compete with the best in the league,” the former Malawi National Women’s Football Team coach said.
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Kajawa said he was surprised to see Karonga struggling in the league despite having good players.
“I was amazed to see the wonderful talent that Karonga United players have. I see a bright future in this team,” he said.
With the win, Bangwe denied Silver the chance to overtake defending champions and league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at the summit of the Super League table.
The win took Bangwe to eighth position in the league, with 24 points from 18 matches, while Silver descended to fourth with 32 points.
Karonga are 11th with 21 points from 17 fixtures whereas Ekwendeni dropped to sixth after amassing 25 points from 18 assignments.
The result was not enough to lift Extreme off the bottom of the table where they are still languishing with 13 points from 18 matches.
Mafco are 13th with 18 points from 18 matches and remain just above the drop zone on goal difference after tying on points with Red Lions, who lie 14th.
