Super League’s 1st round mixed bag
As action in the first round of the 2015 TNM Super League season came to a near end at the weekend, the teams were left with food for thought as they prepare for the final lap of the season which begins in a fortnight.
Several teams would be fighting for different agendas; with others the title while others fighting for survival.
With 14 games in the bag, defending champions Big Bullets have completed the first round, six points clear at the top, with 32 points.
Bullets have won nine matches, drawn five times and are the only unbeaten side in the league.
They have scored 27 goals and conceded 13 times.
Although they lost Victor Limbani and Tizgobere Kumwenda to Silver Strikers at the start of the season, Bullets have performed consistently with replacements Eneya Banda and Chiukepo Msowoya ably filling the shoes of Limbani and Kumwenda.
Msowoya is a strong contender for the golden boot award.
Bullets’ archrivals Be Forward Wanderers finished ninth last season and they went on an aggressive rebuilding exercise in preparation for this season.
The Nomads’ investment has repaid as they have been fighting neck-to-neck with Bullets for the top position.
New recruits Stanley Sanudi, Jabulani Linje, Isaac Kaliati, Rafik Mussa and Muhammad Sulumba have won the hearts of the Nomads’ faithful with good performances.
However, Elia Kananji’s side has struggled to perform consistently and thus they have managed to collect 26 points from 14 matches.
They have lost twice (against Bullets and Silver), won seven and drawn five.
The Nomads have conceded 13 while scoring 20.
They have finished the first round on third position after having an inferior goal difference against second-placed Azam Tigers.
Gerald Phiri’s men have performed beyond expectations after losing key players in Kaliati, Sanudi, Malumbo Gondwe and Boston Kabango at the start of the season.
Players such as Peter Kasonga have provided inspiration to the Kau Kau Boys.
Tied with Nomads at 26 points, Tigers have won eight times, drawn twice and lost four.
They have scored 22 goals and conceded 15 times.
After making a bright start to the season, Blue Eagles faded towards the end of the first round.
Eagles have now finished fourth with 23 points from 14 games.
Looking at the other end of the table, Fisd Wizards anchor the table with seven points from 12 matches.
They have won only once, drawn four times and lost seven times.
In their 12 matches, the rookies have scored 12 and conceded 20.
Wizards complete their first round against Kamuzu Barracks and Civo United.
Epac are second from bottom with 11 points from 14 matches. They have won three times, drawn twice, and lost nine times while conceding 29 goals and scoring 16 goals.
Mzuni complete the relegation set-up with 11 points from three wins, two draws and nine losses.
They have scored 10 times and conceded double the number of goals they have scored.
With the mid-season transfer market open, it promises to be another exciting finale to a the season as giants Moyale Barracks, Silver and Civo have been showing signs of improvement lately.
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