After five games earlier this season, Civil Service United were positioned 12th in the log table, having collected just five points from one win, two draws, and two defeats.
But by week 19, the Servants had transformed into somehow championship contenders, sitting 13 points behind leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets with 33 points. Nobody expected them to break into the top four, completing the traditional top quartet behind the established “big three.” What they achieved in their last 12 matches was nothing short of impressive and remarkable.
Civil kicked off the season with a 1-0 home defeat to Karonga United before suffering another shocking loss to Ekhaya FC away in Blantyre. The two back-to-back defeats were followed by a 1-1 draw against Moyale Barracks.
Abbas Makawa’s team collected their first win at Nankhaka when they beat Blue Eagles 2-0 with Precious Chipungu’s double. The next three games brought two more defeats—to Silver Strikers and Dedza Dynamos—and a draw against Chitipa United away.
The Turning Point
Their last defeat came on June 1 against Silver Strikers at Silver Stadium. Since then, they have been unstoppable.
The Servants won 8 of their next 12 games and drew 4, collecting 28 points from a possible 36. They defeated Creck Sporting, Songwe United, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Tigers, Mzuzu City Hammers (twice), Ekhaya, and Kamuzu Barracks, while drawing against Creck Sporting, Mighty Wanderers, Kamuzu Barracks, and Mafco FC.
Most impressively, Civil kept 9 clean sheets in those 12 games, conceding just three goals—fewer than any other team—while scoring 19.
Comparison with Top Four Teams
Civil Service haven’t typically competed for championships, with their performances generally poor except for last season and this campaign. Playing without pressure has helped, as has the decision to demote assistant coach Wilson Chidati to the Reserve team, leaving all responsibility to Makawa.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have been among the most improved teams this season. After being knocked out of their dominance by Silver Strikers last season and finishing 3rd for the first time in over 10 years, the People’s Team bounced back strongly.
In their last 12 games, Bullets recorded 9 wins, 2 losses (to Civil and Blue Eagles), and 1 draw (against Karonga United at home). They defeated Silver Strikers, Dedza Dynamos, Songwe, Chitipa United, Mafco, Mzuzu City Hammers, Ekhaya, Moyale, and Mighty Tigers, collecting 28 points from 36 possible. They scored 23 goals while conceding 8.
Mighty Wanderers, in second place, kept pressure on leaders Bullets. The Nomads won 7, drew 5, and lost 0 of their last 12 games, collecting 26 points from 36 possible. They scored 14 goals and conceded just 3.
Silver Strikers won 7 of their last 12 games (against Karonga United, Creck Sporting, Ekhaya, Dedza Dynamos, Mzuzu City Hammers, and Chitipa United), lost once to Bullets, and drew 4 times (against Blue Eagles, Mafco FC, Moyale, and Mighty Tigers). The Bankers scored 17 goals and conceded 8.
Makawa Praises Team Work
Head Coach Abbas Makawa attributed the turnaround to teamwork at the club since July.
“We are doing well because of team work. We work hand in hand,” he said. “Yes, we are doing better, but there are a few things we need to do to make things perfect.”
The club maintained its stability despite losing two reliable midfielders—Moses Banda and Blessings Malinda—who joined Ekhaya FC.
Makawa and Civil Service United have 11 games remaining before wrapping up their season. They will travel to Blantyre to face both Bullets and Wanderers, host Silver at home, and travel to Karonga to play Karonga United and Songwe United. Home fixtures against Dedza, Moyale, Blue Eagles, and Chitipa United round out their schedule.
Discover more from Wa Mpira
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
