Baka City became the second team to secure promotion to the Super League from the NBS Bank National Division League after defeating Ndirande Stars 2-0 at Karonga Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The Clever Boys went into the match knowing that a win would seal their promotion to the Elite League. Goals from Joseph Mwambungu in the 38th minute and Hastings Ndau in the second minute of added time in the first half secured the crucial victory.
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The team has now opened a seven-point gap over fourth-placed Namitete Zitha, meaning their task is simply to secure the runners-up spot, as Red Lions have already emerged as league champions.
Head coach Victor Mwakhwawa was delighted with the win and praised his players for their efforts in securing promotion.
“I am happy that we have won this game. We started on a low note because the boys were under pressure as it was an important match, but I have to thank them for their brilliant performance to earn this promotion,” said Mwakhwawa.
He also thanked the team’s supporters for rallying behind them throughout their matches and expressed confidence that they will maintain their discipline in the Super League.
Meanwhile, Ndirande Stars assistant coach Robert Daudi claimed the treatment his team received in Karonga affected their performance.
“We have met very bad people here. We were denied training yesterday (Tuesday), and today you could see the officiating went against us, so we could not win this game,” said Daudi.
Baka City will need a win against Red Lions in their final match at Balaka Stadium to secure second position ahead of third-placed Mitundu Baptist.
The Clever Boys currently have 39 points from 11 wins, six draws, and four defeats, while Ndirande Stars remain sixth on the table with 29 points from seven wins, eight draws, and six defeats.
Redemption After One-Year Exile
Baka City’s promotion comes just one year after a disastrous campaign that saw them relegated from the TNM Super League. The Clever Boys finished bottom of the 16-team table in the 2024 season, collecting just 13 points from 30 games.
Many doubted whether Baka could bounce back after such a difficult season, which saw them suffer 21 defeats alongside just two wins and seven draws. They conceded 74 goals—the most by a Super League team in recent years—while scoring only 17.
However, Baka demonstrated remarkable determination in the inaugural National Division League, finishing in the top three. They will be hoping to learn from their previous struggles in the elite league, where they suffered heavy defeats including a 10-0 loss to Mighty Wanderers, 8-0 to Creck Sporting Club, and 4-0 to Mzuzu City Hammers—memories that remain fresh as they prepare for their return.
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