The first half of the 2025 TNM Super League has come to an end with teams, players chasing their respective dreams and ambitions. Some teams are in race for the league championship, others are competing for top 8 finish while others are fighting for survival.
A total of 252 goals have been scored in 120 games, a number of players have been performing well but not all of them can make it into a team of 11 players.
Depending on the statistics, here are the best players picked from their respective positions
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Goalkeeper: Maclean Mwale (Karonga United)
The goalkeeper is enjoying one of his best seasons since joining Karonga United from relegated Extreme FC a couple of seasons ago.
Mwale has been the most consistent goalkeeper in the league despite facing stiff competition for the spot in our team of the first round of the TNM Super League. Despite playing for a mid-table team, Mwale has managed to keep 8 clean sheets in 15 games, beating Chitipa United’s Jacob Nyandwile who has seven in 10 matches. He conceded 12 goals in 15 games.
Right back: Blessings Mpokera (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
Several players were options for this position in the first round with Ekhaya’s Hermas Masinja and Silver Strikers’ Macdonald Lameck all chasing the spot, but one player stood out. Blessings Mpokera has been a revelation for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ depleted defense this season.
Bullets is the only team with the more clean sheets, 10 in 15 matches, with Innocent Nyasulu bagging 7 in 12 matches and Richard Chimbamba 3 in three matches. Much of the credit goes to Mpokera, who has been the pillar of the team, conceding just 8 goals in 15 matches.
Center back: Peter Ng’ambi (Civil Service United)
Civil Service United have been one of the most in-form teams in the latter stages of the first round. The switch of Charles Mafaiti from central defense to left back locked the defense for the Servants, making them solid at the back.
They have conceded only two goals in their last 8 matches, including 6 wins and 2 draws. But their defensive solidity cannot be praised without mentioning Peter Ng’ambi, who joined the team from Moyale Barracks earlier this season. His partnership with John Dambuleni has been beyond doubt, keeping six clean sheets in their last nine matches. With his height, he dominates aerial balls and blocks shots effectively.
Center back: Eric Atsigah (Chitipa United)
Chitipa United started the season slowly, but their recent performances have seen them move out of the relegation zone. Eric Atsigah, who joined from Bangwe All Stars, quickly established himself as a starter and one of the best centre-backs in the league.
There were several contenders for this position, but Atsigah emerged as the clear choice. Chitipa conceded just one goal in their last 8 matches, and Atsigah has already collected four Man of the Match awards.
Left back: Emmanuel Nyirenda (Mighty Wanderers)
A fans’ favorite at Mighty Wanderers, Nyirenda joined from Mighty Tigers as a left back but has been slotted into the left central defense in Bob Mpinganjira’s back-three system.
He has been the most consistent and reliable defender for Wanderers, who have conceded only 7 goals in 15 games and sit top of the table at mid-season.
Defensive midfielder: Blessings Singini (Mighty Wanderers)
Wanderers’ crisis in defense forced them to find another dimension of stopping goals, which was strengthening the midfield. The partnership of Singini and Felix Zulu has given a lot of teams problems, shutting down creativity and keeping opponents at bay.
They silenced Silver Strikers’ midfield of Chikondi Kamanga, Chimwemwe Idana and Felix Zulu, and held their own against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as well. Singini looks more comfortable this season, driving the team forward with neat passes and long-range efforts.
Central midfielder: James Lumbe (Ekhaya FC)
The 16-year-old has been brilliant in midfield for Ekhaya, finding his place despite being surrounded by more experienced teammates.
His excellent showings against Moyale Barracks and MAFCO earned him Man of the Match awards, a testament to his quality in his debut season.
Attacking midfielder: Chikumbutso Salima (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
Salima looks set to beat the record he set in his debut season in the elite league with Bangwe All Stars in 2023 when he scored 8 goals despite battling injuries.
This season, he has been the attacking heartbeat of Bullets, already involved in 14 goals in just 13 games. He has 7 goals and 7 assists, making Bullets the highest-scoring team and keeping them within touching distance of leaders Wanderers.
Wing forward: Wisdom Mpinganjira (Mighty Wanderers)
The electrifying attacker has transformed his game this season after criticism last year. He has been the most consistent player for Wanderers and arguably one of the best in the league.
His impact has been vital to Wanderers’ push for the championship. He is the club’s top scorer with 5 goals and has also provided 7 assists in 15 games.
Wing forward: Babatunde Adepoju (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
The Nigerian striker remains one of the best forwards in the league. His influence has been immense for Bullets, earning him a deserved place in the First XI.
Adepoju is chasing his second Super League Golden Boot, having won it in 2022 with 18 goals. This season, he has scored 8 goals in 14 matches, leading the scoring chart by one ahead of teammates Salima and Civil Service United’s Dastan Banda.
Center forward: Dastan Banda (Civil Service United)
Civil Service United struggled for goals early in the season, creating chances but failing to convert. The introduction of Dastan Banda changed their fortunes.
Since his inclusion, they have climbed out of the relegation zone into the top eight. Banda has scored 6 of the 19 goals the team has managed, proving his importance and securing his place in the best XI.
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