Two wins in 11 matches: Can Kananji turn it around at Creck?

Eliya Kananji faces mounting pressure as Creck Sporting Club struggle through most difficult campaign since the start of the league. The head coach, who took charge on June 3 after parting ways with Blue Eagles, has managed just two wins in 11 matches at the helm.

The statistics paint a grim picture. Creck have collected only 22 points from 19 games this season, with five wins, seven defeats, and seven draws. They’ve scored just 11 goals while conceding 17—a far cry from their maiden season performance.

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The contrast with last season is stark. At this stage in 2024, Creck had secured eight wins and scored 31 goals, conceding 21. Despite five defeats to top sides including Mighty Wanderers, Silver Strikers, and Mzuzu City Hammers, they showed the promise of a team on the rise.

This season, however, has been marked by instability and disappointment from the opening whistle.

Creck’s campaign began disastrously under Joseph Kamwendo, with back-to-back 4-0 thrashings from Dedza Dynamos and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. A draw with Blue Eagles and a narrow win over Mighty Tigers provided brief respite, but a defeat to Wanderers sealed Kamwendo’s fate.

Harry Saidi stepped in as caretaker and delivered immediate results—two wins over Mafco FC and Songwe Border FC, plus a draw against Kamuzu Barracks. Those three matches remain the season’s high point.

Kananji’s arrival brought hope, but results have been mixed. An opening defeat to Ekhaya FC was followed by another loss to Civil Service United. Wins against Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Hammers suggested progress, but a defeat to Silver Strikers preceded the team’s current slump.

Creck are now winless in six matches—five draws and one defeat to Karonga United—leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Wednesday’s trip to face Mighty Tigers carries extra significance. Creck have never won in Blantyre since their promotion, suffering defeats on every visit: 3-0 to Wanderers in April 2024, losses to Mighty Tigers in August 2024 and 3-2 to Bullets in September 2024, plus a 4-1 hammering by Bullets earlier this season.

The venue has become a psychological barrier the team must overcome.

Bottom-of-the-Table Clash

Tigers, sitting in the relegation zone with just 17 points from 19 games, are equally desperate for points. The match represents a crucial opportunity for both sides to create breathing space from the drop.

Despite the 10-day break since their last fixture, Kananji remains bullish about his team’s chances of breaking their Blantyre hoodoo and ending the winless run.

“We are ready,” Kananji said. “The boys have shown great character in training, and we believe we can get the job done. Everyone is ready. We’ve prepared well and the boys understand the importance of this match.”

After that game, Creck will have to regroup and return home as they prepare for another crucial game against Mighty Wanderers in the FDH Bank Cup.

Tigers are heading into the game after winning just 4 games, 5 draws and have suffered 10 defeats. They have conceded 22 goals and scored 14.

Whether Creck can translate training ground confidence into match-day results remains to be seen. With pressure mounting and relegation looming, Wednesday’s fixture in Blantyre could define their season.