Super League second Round to kickoff July 23
The Super League of Malawi, Sulom says the second round of the 2022 Super League is set to kick off on July 23 a week after the 2022 Holly wood bets Cosafa Cup.
Six games are set to be played this weekend as the first round which rolled out on April 4 is coming to an end. This means that some teams will have a two-week break while others will have a four-week break because they have already wrapped up their first round.
Sulom general secretary, Williams Banda says subject to consultations with the Football Association of Malawi competition committee for a review of this year’s calendar of events, the second round will resume three weeks from now.
Banda said, “come 10th of July, we will be winding up our first round and we are hoping that the second round will start at per calendar on the 23rd of July.
“We have a lot of national team engagement and other competitions, all these will be factored in the second round fixtures that we are preparing. Once we are done, we will be circulating them to the clubs and other stakeholders for them to appreciate.”
However, some clubs say the break period is too short considering that there are some fixtures in between.
Civil Services United general secretary Ronald Chiwaula says the two-week break will not be enough as players sometimes need to rest.
“We would loved if it were a little longer because two weeks with some cup games in between is not enough. These players need a bit of rest.
” Just imagine international break and recess occurring simultaneously. Some teams will rest even longer having wrapped up their fixtures earlier,” said Chiwaula.
Blue Eagles Chairman, Alexander Ngwala concurs with Chiwaula’s sentiment saying Sulom should consider extending the period of the break to give teams a thorough review of the first round.
He says, “Some teams have already completed their assignments, they will rest up to three or four weeks, but some teams will go up to 10th July or 17th. That means they will have one or two weeks of break of resting. This is so improper, all teams are supposed to be treated as equal. The resting period should be the same, ready for the second round.”
Nyasa Big Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said while the break gives some players a chance to rest, those with the national team won’t have a breather.
He said: “Unfortunately, the mid-season break coincides with the Cosafa Cup tournament and at least six of our players are with the national team.
“Similarly, when we had an international break, they also did not have a moment’s respite as they were with the Flames during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifiers.”
On his part, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers board secretary Humphrey Mvula said the arrangement is good for the teams as it will provide them an opportunity to prepare for the second round.
He said: “I guess it should further permit teams to review their squads and plan for the second round.”
Mighty Wakawaka Tigers general secretary Akuzike Kafwamba said: “For us, we welcome the decision as there are cup games as well, so this will accord us time to focus.”
Domestically, teams will compete for Airtel Top 8 and FDH Cups while Flames will be playing in the African Championship, Chan Qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Nyasa Big Bullets will be playing in the Caf Champions League.
Mighty Wanderers, Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Mighty Tigers have already wrapped up their assignments while Blue Eagles, Mafco, Red Lions, Dedza Dynamos, TN Stars, Moyale Barracks, Kamuzu Barracks, Rumphi United, Karonga United, Sable Farming are yet to finish their first round fixtures.
The peoples team are leading the 16-member Log table with 41 points while Blue Eagles occupy the second spot with 30 points.
The 2022 Super League season is expected to come to an end in December.
