Jenda United: NDL’s “Blood Group O” –early season strugglers

Mzimba-based Jenda United are enduring a nightmare start to their NBS Bank National Division League campaign, having “donated” points in all three of their opening matches, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the table with zero points.

Their struggles have made them the perceived “easy pickings” in the second-tier league, with opponents likely relishing the prospect of facing them, whether home or away. Jenda United has so far failed to withstand the league’s intensity, delivering underwhelming performances in all their fixtures.

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The team kicked off their season at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, falling 2-1 to Bangwe All Stars. Week two saw them return to their home ground at Kasungu Stadium, only to be thumped 3-0 by league leaders Mitundu Baptist.

Their woes continued into week three, where they faced fellow winless side FOMO FC at Mulanje Park Stadium. The hosts delivered a crushing 4-0 defeat, cementing Jenda United’s unenviable position as the sole team yet to register a point in the league.

Obvious Banda, the head coach for Jenda United, admitted his growing concern. “This is becoming worrisome, and the team needs to instantly match the performance deserving of this league,” he stated.

Banda attributed some of their struggles to inexperience. “We are having youngsters who are not having experience in the League, but I believe as we go along, we will be getting this experience and play the way we are supposed to play in the League,” he explained, hoping for a rapid learning curve.

Despite his team’s poor run of results, Banda also believes that improvements are needed in the league’s officiating to enhance its professionalism. “There are times when it is like we are still playing in the regional leagues,” Banda added. “It’s not that bad, but the authorities need to improve on this [officiation] as this will make the League more professional as it is supposed to be.”

Jenda United earned their spot in the National Division League after finishing in the top four of the SIMSO and Mzuzu 12 Northern Region Football League, alongside Chintheche United and Chilumba Barracks. However, their current standing sees them at the very bottom of the 12-team log, having conceded nine goals and scored just one in their three matches.