Results Impacts of NRFA SIMSO Mzuzu 12 Sponsors League Upcoming Games
By Victor Stephan…
Mouth-watering fixtures are expected to continue this afternoon in the Northern Region Football Association Simso Mzuzu 12 Sponsors League as teams fight for their last chance for the last 8.
Currently cluster A is complete with Chilumba Barracks and unbeaten Songwe Border progressing into the last 8 all attention shifts to other clusters where teams will need calculators and desired results to progress to the last 8.
In cluster B leaders Ekwaiweni Tafika Sports Academy who have 20 points will need nothing short of a win against Mzuni FC at home to reach the last 8 for the first time while Chipolopolo Boys will need to get maximum points in their away fixture against unpredictable Thaboland while waiting for Ekwendeni United to stop Lube Masters at home in their Wednesday fixture where Masters will need to a win to progress as United will need to win to escape relegation playoffs.
Chintheche United who are leading the standings for cluster C with 22 points will have to beat Likoma United later today (Sunday) to confirm their progress in Sunday afternoon’s fixture at Chiwaza ground while second-placed Eagle Strikers will have to beat Chizumulu at home and Likoma United at island if they are to make it while United need to get 6 points from their last three games including their last against Eagle Strikers.
Impressive Raiply who are leading cluster D with 20 points will have to avoid a defeat against Euthini Veterans at home to confirm their progress while second-placed Jenda will just need to avoid a 10-nil loss to Veterans in an away fixture at Euthini to progress.
Some notable teams to miss the last 8 this season are Karonga-based Iponga FC who dumped super league side Kamuzu Barracks in FDH Bank Cup round of 32, Ekwendeni United which is the oldest team in the league, and Embangweni United who were on the blink of qualifying for the super league last season.
Interestingly the teams that will finish bottom in their clusters will be dropped to Division One with the second bottom place to use playoffs.
In cluster A Karonga Giants is already relegated following their ban while Chitipa Galaji will have to confirm their slot through playoffs, in cluster B, Mzuni FC is already relegated while the last games will decide playoffs candidates between Ekwendeni United, Thaboland, and Hardknockers.
In cluster C Simbowe Stars is relegated while a playoff candidate will be either Chihame All Stars or Chizumulu depending on the results while in cluster D Euthini Pirates is already relegated while another candidate will be between Sporting FC and Euthini Veterans depending on the results.
Commenting on the progress the league has made so far a week ago NRFA General Secretary Masiya Nyasulu described the season as competitive calling on teams to continue observing discipline.
“We are witnessing good competitive games so far teams are eager to progress into the last 8 and discipline has been good,” said Nyasulu after witnessing Chibavi Real Stars and Chintheche United.
The team that finishes top of the standings in the last 8 will earn promotion into the Super League.
