Every word from Sulom Gs Williams Banda as he previews second round action

The 2025 TNM Super League second round kicks off on Saturday, with teams battling for points in pursuit of their different objectives. Top teams will be competing for the league championship while bottom teams fight for survival, making the second half a very exciting period of the season.

League leaders Mighty Wanderers begin their second round campaign on Sunday with an away fixture against Mafco. However, Saturday features exciting matches across all regions of the country.

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Second-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have the opportunity to reclaim the top spot when they face resilient Chitipa United at Chitipa Community Ground. Meanwhile, third-placed Silver Strikers could move to within just two points of Wanderers with victory in their away match against Mighty Tigers in Blantyre.

Kamuzu Barracks could climb to fifth on the table when they host winless Songwe Border FC at Champions Stadium. Civil Service United, one of the most in-form teams, travel to Aubrey Dimba to face Creck Sporting Club.

Sunday’s fixtures include Wanderers hosting Mafco, Blue Eagles facing Dedza Dynamos at Nankhaka Stadium, Ekhaya welcoming Mzuzu City Hammers at home, and Karonga United taking on Moyale Barracks.

SULOM General Secretary Williams Banda’s Pre-Second every word

“Teams Urged to Avoid Misconduct”

The first half of the season saw three teams penalized by the league governing body for misconduct.

Silver Strikers received a MK1.75 million fine and a suspended ban after being found guilty of misconduct for allowing their supporters to invade the pitch and pour a watery substance on the Mafco FC goalkeeper during their match at Silver Stadium.

Ekhaya FC were fined MK3 million, and their goalkeeper Elias Missi was suspended for violent conduct during their game against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets when he grabbed Babatunde Adepoju by the neck.

Nyasa Big Bullets also received a hefty MK5.75 million penalty after being found guilty of misconduct following an incident where one of their supporters invaded the pitch to snatch a towel from Blue Eagles goalkeeper Joshua Waka.

“The second round of the 2025 TNM Super League kicks off this Saturday, August 23, 2025, with matches being played across the country,” Banda said. “As usual, we are urging teams, especially clubs and their fans, to refrain from any disorderly behavior, as misconduct will prove costly to their teams.

“In the first round, we noted security lapses. We have engaged various security agents used at matches to ensure they are professional and strict in their public order management. Stewards must be up to the task by ensuring no supporter invades the pitch, as such conduct has proved costly to teams.”

“Supporters Promised Competitive Second Half”

The second half of the season is expected to be as competitive as the first round. Currently, only one point separates the top team from second place.

Mighty Wanderers have accumulated 35 points while Bullets have amassed 34 points, with Silver Strikers collecting 30 points, making the championship race very close and competitive.

In the relegation battle, only Songwe United remain anchored to the bottom of the table after accumulating just two points from 15 games. However, no club is safe from positions 9 to 15, as they are separated by just 11 points.

“Supporters, you are promised a very exciting second half based on the competition seen in the first round. We hope the competition will be even more intense during the second half,” Banda stated.

“SULOM Welcomes New Law Amendments”

The Football Association of Malawi has informed all stakeholders of key amendments to the Laws of the Game, which take effect immediately and will be applied from the second round of the Super League season. These adjustments are intended to improve fairness, enhance the flow of play, and ensure alignment with FIFA standards.

Key Amendments:

Goalkeeper 8-Second Rule: Goalkeepers must release the ball within eight seconds of gaining possession. Failure to do so will result in a corner kick for the opposing team.

Captain-Referee Interactions: Only team captains can approach referees to dispute or discuss decisions. Non-captains attempting to influence decisions may receive a yellow card.

Penalty Kick “Double-Touch” Rule: Accidental double-touches during penalty kicks will result in a retake, while deliberate double-touches will award the defending team an indirect free kick.

Ball In and Out of Play: An indirect free kick with no disciplinary sanction will be awarded when a team official, substitute, substituted or sent-off player, or player temporarily off the field touches the ball as it leaves the field of play without intention to interfere unfairly.

“We welcome the new amendments to the laws of the game, and these translate into professional officiating,” Banda said. “For teams not aware of the new laws, referees will be available to orient you.”

“Appeal to Ground Owners”

“To ground owners, we plead with you to ensure match venues are available as per the fixtures and calendar we shared with you,” Banda continued. “In consultation with clubs using your venues, we ask that teams be given access to the venue on match days. For example, if the match is on Saturday, the visiting team should be given the chance to feel the pitch on Friday.

“We have been assured by the referees’ manager that referees have been oriented and will be top-notch during the second half of the season. They will ensure all 17 laws of the game are applied. We also warn teams to avoid match-fixing, as it is a serious offense to our game.”