Red Lions have been crowned NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) champions after finishing top of the table in a dominant debut campaign that saw them outclass their rivals throughout the season.
The Zomba-based side sealed the title despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Baka City in their final match at Balaka Stadium. Matthews Simbeyi gave Red Lions the lead in the first half before Bongani Munthali equalised for Baka City after the break to force a share of the spoils.
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Red Lions finished the campaign with 47 points from 14 wins, five draws and three defeats, securing promotion back to the TNM Super League just two years after relegation.
Head coach Malumbo Mkandawire described the season as demanding but credited his players’ resilience for their success.
“It was a tough campaign, but the fighting spirit of the players made the difference. We have a good team that can compete in the Super League, though we will bring in a few new players to stabilise the squad. Our aim is to stay up,” said Mkandawire.
Despite the draw, it was a disappointing afternoon for Baka City, who dropped to third place after Mitundu Baptist leapfrogged them with a crucial victory elsewhere.
Baka City assistant coach Martin Nkhonya remained optimistic after securing promotion back to the Super League at the first attempt.
“Our previous Super League campaign was difficult due to several issues. We are now discussing with the board to address them, and this time we are confident we will survive,” said Nkhonya.
Baka City finished the season with 40 points from 11 wins, seven draws and four losses.
Mitundu Baptist Clinch Promotion
Mitundu Baptist confirmed their promotion to the TNM Super League with a 2-1 victory over Mchinji Villa at Maliri Ground in Lilongwe to finish second on the log table.
League top scorer Raheem Mtondera netted his 25th goal of the season, while Sammy Phiri struck the winner in the second half. Limbani Manyamba scored the consolation goal for Mchinji Villa.
Mitundu Baptist ended the season with 41 points from 13 wins, two draws and eight defeats.
In the relegation battle, Chintheche United joined Chilumba Barracks and Jenda United in returning to the Northern Region Football League (NRFL) after finishing ninth.
The Nkhata Bay-based side were thrashed 3-0 by FOMO FC, with goals from Mcphen Mdolo, Gray Thomas and Chitsanzo Saidi.
Notably, all three relegated northern teams had been promoted from the NRFL last season, while Baka City—who came down from the Super League—have now bounced straight back.
Mchinji Villa were also relegated after finishing 10th, following their defeat to Mitundu Baptist.
Ntaja United secured survival with a vital 1-0 win over Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium, courtesy of Prince Mwase’s strike. They finished 8th with 29 points from eight wins, five draws and nine defeats.
FOMO FC wrapped up the season in fourth place after their emphatic win over Chintheche United, finishing with 36 points.
In Blantyre, Ndirande Stars edged Namitete Zitha 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium to finish sixth on 32 points, while Zitha ended fifth with 33 points.
At Kasungu Stadium, already-relegated Jenda United drew 2-2 with Bangwe All Stars, with Rodrick Malunza and Levinson Sulungwe scoring for Jenda, while Moses Gunde and Madalitso Mwachumu replied for Bangwe.
Jenda finished bottom with six points, while Bangwe All Stars placed seventh on 29 points.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya hailed the season as a success.
“We have witnessed a good season where all teams played an equal number of games and competition was high. We will engage the sponsors to consider adjustments because the league has proved its value,” said Haiya.
NBS Bank Chief Operations Officer Shadreck Chikusiro also expressed satisfaction with the league’s progress.
“As a caring bank, we will continue doing more to ensure fans and customers enjoy the league. This season has given us confidence to remain committed,” he said.
Red Lions will receive K15 million as champions, while Mitundu Baptist and Baka City will pocket K10 million and K5 million respectively.
The four relegated teams will be replaced by regional league champions, while three teams relegated from the TNM Super League will make way for the newly promoted sides.
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