Giants Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers return to action at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre after a two-week break due to the absence of some of their top players.
Silver and Wanderers were exempted from TNM Super League matches after contributing four players each to the Malawi National Football Team, which went to the Hollywood Bets Cosafa Cup in Durban, South Africa.
The players have since returned and the two teams are set to lock horns at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon.
Wanderers and Silver initially protested the match in a joint letter to Super League of Malawi (Sulom) dated July 17, asking that it be rescheduled to August 12.
- Advertisement -
The two clubs argued that playing the match midweek would see them lose out on revenue. The other point they presented was that their players, who returned from South Africa on Tuesday, would need time to rest.
- Advertisement -
But Sulom rejected the request, saying it did not meet requirements of Article 19.4 as read with 19.12 of Super League rules and regulations.
The TNM Super League governing body warned that failure to fulfill the match would result into forfeiture of points in line with the top flight league’s rules and regulations.
Sulom also stated that it had commenced match-fixing investigations against the two teams and that it would take appropriate remedial action against any team or official found on the wrong side of the law.
The two sides have since accepted to play the crunch match as they continue to hunt for points in the elite league.
- Advertisement -
Silver coach Pieter de Jongh said his charges were ready to face the Nomads.
“We would have loved to play this match over a weekend and not midweek. But we are ready. We expect a tough match because Wanderers also have good players. This is a big and important match.
“My take is that such big games must be played during weekends so that more people come to watch. This will be an exciting match because of the six-point gap between us and I am sure everyone will enjoy it,” de Jongh said.
Silver have welcomed back defender Nixon Mwase, midfielders Chikondi Kamanga and Chimwemwe Idana and attacker Patrick Macheso from national duty.
The Central Bankers are second on the table with 25 points from eleven matches and will reclaim top spot with a win today.
Nyasa Big Bullets are currently at the summit of the table with 26 points from 13 matches while Wanderers lie fifth with 19 points from 11 matches.
The Nomads will be welcoming back captain Stanley Sanudi, Christopher Kumwembe, Gaddie Chirwa and Lawrence Chaziya.
Sanudi said they are eager to turn the tables around after some disappointing performances in recent matches.
“Beating Silver will not be an easy task but we are geared for the challenge. We will work hard and put up a gallant fight so that we collect maximum points,” he said.
Silver beat Wanderers 2-1 at Silver Stadium in the first round of the 2022 season before losing 1-0 in the second round at Kamuzu Stadium.
