![Leicester City the champions]()
Leicester City's Premier League title dream became reality on Monday as their only remaining challengers Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2 at Chelsea to complete one of the greatest ever sporting achievements.
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![Leicester City the champions]()
Leicester City the champions[/caption]
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![Claudio Ranieri made an emotional phone call to Guus Hiddink to thank Chelsea for handing Leicester City the title after a tumultuous night when the Italian’s name was sung loud at Stamford Bridge.]()
Manager Claudio Ranieri made an emotional phone call to Guus Hiddink to thank Chelsea for handing Leicester City the title after a tumultuous night when the Italian’s name was sung loud at Stamford Bridge.[/caption]
The result provoked an outpouring of celebration in the provincial English city and as far away as Thailand and
Japan, with Leicester's players having watched nervously on television along with Foxes fans packed into local bars 160km away.
Goals from Tottenham's Harry Kane and Son Heung-min had looked like extending the title race to the penultimate week of what has been an unforgettable season.
Gary Cahill gave Chelsea a lifeline just before the hour, however, and substitute Eden Hazard's superb 83rd-minute equaliser ended Spurs' slim title hopes to the delight of Leicester and their former Chelsea manager, Italian Claudio Ranieri.
As tempers flared at the end of a red-hot London derby at Stamford Bridge, television pictures cut away to Leicester's players celebrating in the living room of their striker Jamie Vardy, whose 22 goals have under-pinned his side's challenge.
Elsewhere in Leicester, the city's biggest ever party began in earnest, with hundreds of fans gathering outside the stadium and thousands more celebrating in pubs and bars.
Leicester's unlikely journey from no-hopers to English champions has captivated sports fans worldwide, nowhere more so than in Thailand, home of the club's owners King Power.
Defender Wes Morgan, who scored his side's equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Sunday, summed up the mood.
"Nobody believed we could do it, but here we are, Premier League champions and deservedly so," he told Leicester's website.
"Saturday can't come quickly enough. I can't wait to get my hands on the trophy."
With two games left, Leicester are seven points ahead of Tottenham and Saturday's home match against Everton will be a glorious lap of honour.
In one of the most unpredictable Premier League seasons ever, Tottenham had been hoping to win a first English league title since 1961, but fell short in agonising circumstances at Stamford Bridge where they have not won in 26 years.
"First of all, congratulations to Leicester City and to Claudio Ranieri. A fantastic season," Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said.
"I'm very disappointed but now we have to fight for second place.
"It's a massive, amazing season for Leicester, Claudio the players and the fans. They deserve it."
OUTSIDERS TRIUMPH
Unfashionable Leicester, 5,000-1 outsiders at the start of the season, have become English champions for the first time and are the first club to win a maiden English title since Nottingham Forest in 1977-78, having left the likes of Manchester City and United, Chelsea and Arsenal in their wake.
Oddly, the biggest match in Leicester's history was one they were not involved in as the final act of an absorbing title race was played out in west London between last year's champions and a Tottenham side who have refused to give up the chase.
But Ranieri's intrepid team had already done the damage, churning out results to stay top of the table since Jan. 23 while their rivals fell by the wayside.
Since losing to Arsenal on Feb. 14, they won seven and drew three of their next 10 games.
Incredibly, Leicester spent half of last season bottom of the league before a late surge lifted them clear of relegation.
With Ranieri replacing Nigel Pearson as manager, they continued that momentum and from being pre-season tips for the drop, became unlikely title contenders as former non-league journeyman Vardy scored in a record 11 consecutive Premier League games.
Even when they hit the top in January, many thought Leicester would fade, as they did in 1963, the last time they were in with a chance of the title.
As the chasing pack thinned, however, a youthful Tottenham stayed in the hunt for a first title since 1961 but Leicester's draw at Manchester United put the trophy within touching distance.
Hazard's late goal against bitter London rivals Spurs sealed the destiny of the title, prompting an outpouring of congratulations from a captivated nation.
"People will be talking about this in 100 years time," Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher said.
Former England striker Alan Shearer won the title in 1995 with Blackburn Rovers.
"For a team like Leicester to come and take the giants on with their wealth and experience -- I think it's the biggest thing to happen in football," he said.
Mijiga faces ban[/caption]
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda could neither confirm nor deny the story.
However credible sources at Fam told Nyasa Times that Wilkins Mijiga, Yabwanya and Tia Nsomba have been suspended from all football related activities as FAM president Walter Nyamilandu hits back at his critics and competitors.
“They have indeed been suspended, that is correct,” said one official who said he is yet to get details on the length of the suspension and why they have been suspended.
Mijiga, Yabwanya and Tia Nsomba obtained a court injunction against the holding of FAM elections last year alleging FAM did not provide a fair level ground for free and fair elections.
Later that day, the injunction was vacated, leading to resignations of senior FAM officials, Nyamilandu winning the elections and FIFA officials asking for stiff penalties for those who took football matters in courts of law.
Mijiga, Yabwanya and Nsomba said they have not yet received the decision in writing and would only comment after getting the FAM ruling.
Amos Bello scored for Wanderers..Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
Amos Bello scored a rare goal to give the Nomads a 28th-minute lead.
Chiukepo Msowoya headed Bullets back into the game with 3 minutes to recess time through a penalty after Rafiq Mussa handed the ball in the box.
People complain endlessly that Blanytre derbies can be dull. Perhaps it's better when the two teams come into the game in below-best not-so-efficient form.
It seems to have a two fold effect. One, both sides are on the rebound and desperate for a win. Two, both are perhaps just not quite so proficient at cancelling each other out.
Both sides' coaches could have done with the comfort and confidence that a derby win can bring. Wanderers ' Jack Chamangwana and Bullets ' Franco Ndawa would also have not been displeased in settling for a draw.
Wanderers edged the first half and they could have scored even more than three goals while Bullets bossed the second, and Mussa Manyenje have himself to blame for missing what could have been a winning goal with Bester Phiri already beaten.
The Blues made a few changes from their previous game against Dwangwa United, Felix Zulu started from the right flank with Francis Mlimbika transferring to the left wing leaving Ted Sumani to cover his usual position.
Peter Wadabwa and Amos Bello started up front.
For Bullets , they started with Muhammad Sulumba and Chiukepo Msowoya upfront,while Miracle Gabeya,Yamikani Fodya and John Lanjesi were in defence.
After a cautious start a period of to-and- fro football ensued that the fans who make the pilgrimage to Malawi's football's cathedral like to see.
The Nomads played Mlimbika down the left, and he put in a perfect cross for Wadabwa to head wide in the 19th minute.
Wadabwa was at it again when he attempted bicycle kick which went wide.
Bullets through Msowoya glanced header wide from Yamikani Fodya's long throw had the latter
goose-stepping across the pitch in frustration.
George Nyirenda tested Bester Phiri with a low, hard shot from the edge of the area just after the break.
Bullets were pushing hard to secure a winning goal in the second half but Wanderers defence was well organised.
Wanderers responded few minutes later when Wadabwa's stinging shot from range was well pushed over the bar by Kakhobwe in Bullets goals.
However, Mussa Manyenje who was introduced for Sulumba could have scored towards the end of the game but his shot went wide with the yawning goal.
One notable thing during the game was to see Jaffali Chande on the Nomads bench while Kondwani Kumwenda was on Bullets bench.
Both players switched camps this season.
Junior men's athletes , most of them running barefooted and in their ordinary attire[/caption]
The Blantyre Half Marathon has been organized by Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) with full funding from Malawi National Council of Sports to keep the athletes in shape as the association grapples to secure substantial sponsorship from the corporate world.
The 21 km race will start at Kamuzu Upper Stadium, to Limbe Annexe Round About through Admarc Welfare to Kanjedza Round About, Kwacha Round up to MBC Television to Kudya to Stella Maris, to CI to Delamera-Blantyre Central District to Highway back to Kamuzu Upper Stadium finishing line.
AAM General Secretary Frank Chitembeya said the association would spice up the event with veterans to compete among themselves besides the main event.
Chitembeya also disclosed that mouthwatering prizes had been lined for the athletes with the champion taking home K100,000, runners-up K50,000 and K25,000 for bronze medalists.
He said all the three categories men’s, women’s and veterans would get equal prizes.
The competition would also offer a window for the association to select athletes to represent the country at the world Olympic Day to be held in Mozambique on June 23.
“We are all geared for this Half Marathon to be held in Blantyre on Sunday. This is important because it would offer some of the athletes to participate at an international Half Marathon competition in Mozambique,” he said.
AAM has been making news for all the bad reasons after the current executive committee led by Godfrey Phiri took office under controversial circumstances four years ago.
In an election year the committee failed to harness the traditional sponsorship as their virtually lost all the sponsorship ad failed to secure any significant one apart from Kuchawe Sunbird Hotel Mountain Race.
The administration also made notorious record by becoming the first ever AAM committee to lose annual US$10,000 grant for failing to reconcile their accounts books to the world athletics governing body International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF).
Airtel Rising Stars Season 6 Launched[/caption]
Speaking at the launch of this year's season at Luchenza Secondary School in Mulanje District, Airtel Malawi Director of Marketing Emmanuel Kasambala expressed the company's commitment to continue supporting the youth tournament that has added a lot of value on the face of Malawi football in the past five years.
"We look back with pride and satisfaction as players out of this program are now making great contribution in the national youth football teams", said Kasambala.
Kasambala said Airtel Rising Stars program is still fulfilling its aim of identifying football talents as witnessed with many faces in the Malawi National team.
He then assured Malawians that it remains the company's commitment to support the youth in Malawi as well as drive economic growth by unlocking people potential.
"We are excited that the competition is gaining momentum each and every year. This is an inspiration to everyone working to achieve potential and striving to be the best every day," he said.
“This is the sixth year in a row that Airtel Rising Stars is played in Malawi, starting from the grassroots onto the national stage. The teens' tournament has become a reliable feeder to the national team,”Kasambala added.
Minister of Sports, Grace Chiumia said government recognizes Airtel's investment into youth football development program and commended the management of Airtel for their timely move.
"The government is overwhelmed by more pressing social obligations that is why it is unable to properly fund sports activities on its own. We encourage the private sector, instead, to assist and emulate what Airtel is doing," said Chiumia.
The Minister said the competition also provides an opportunity for Airtel to connect and empower communities through the passion football elicits from fans and the ability of players to learn and earn a living from the sports.
She said it is interesting to see that Airtel is seeking initiatives that create positive community impact from the grassroots to a national level.
“The Airtel Rising Stars program is designed to provide a structured platform for scouts, coaches, football authorities and other partners to tap into a vast pool of upcoming talent, courtesy of the program and build strong soccer talent feeder systems for our league and national teams.
“I commend Airtel Malawi for their initiative to invest in youth football which is the cornerstone for the game's development. "I truly believe that by placing emphasis on the youth, we will be able to make significant achievements in the near future", she said.
On his part, Malawi Schools Sports Association (MASSA) President Harris Kachale commended Airtel for the initiative, which is helping in unearthing the youth’s hidden talent.
“As MASSA, we are happy that this project has provided a platform for upcoming soccer talents to showcase their skills and eventually have an opportunity to further their football skills.
“We believe this will help them (the youth) to get the much needed exposure. So we would like to thank Airtel for venturing into sports and football in particular. We pledge our total support to Airtel in its quest of providing support to uplift these stars onto a world stage,” he said.
Kachale said unlike last year when 850 schools registered for the competition, this year 1780 schools have registered for the competition countrywide.
On position one, the winners will pocket Mk2 million while the second shall went away with Mk1.5 million and the third Prize is Mk1.2 million.
What a save....Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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Second goal for Blue Eagles as Max Bullets defender fail to clear the ball...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Maxwell Salambula scored a hat trick...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Godfrey Nachipo celebrating his goal...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Blue Eagles players celebrating -.Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Blue Eagles coach Nsakakuona[/caption]
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Blue Eagles coach Nsakakuona[/caption]
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Blue Eagles FC. on the lead. of the leage-.Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Wachimwa Sadick in pain....Photo Jeromy Kadewer[/caption]
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Silver beat Civo in Lilongwe derby[/caption]
The Central Bankers had one of their worst starts to the Super League campaign, having lost their opening two games against Be Forward Wanderers and Azam Tigers right at their home-base in Lilongwe’s Area 47.
But this time round, they were a much more organised side as coach Lovemore Fazili and his technical director Young Chimodzi maintained their trust in both young talent and experience.
Youngster Thuso Paipi was a thorn in the fresh for Civo as terrorised the servants’ midfield and defence to deservedly earn the man-of-the-match award.
The youngster took the Bankers in front on 33 minutes, when his 25-metre drive took a slight deflection to beat Civo goalkeeper Duncan Mkandawire, who had one of his toughest afternoons.
Nelson Kangunje levelled for Civo five minutes to the break after picking on a loose ball from the box as Silver failed to deal with a corner kick by Gerald Nkungula.
After the equaliser, Civo’s coach Millias Jegwe Pofera replaced striker Vincent Nyangulu with Victor Mpinganjira.
Both sides made more changes in the second half but it was the introduction of Binwell Katinji for Mark Fodya on the part of the Bankers that paid dividend as Katinji capitalised on Civo’s poor
defending to score from close range with only three minutes to go.
Jegwe gracefully accepted defeat after the final whistle, admitting his charges were not up to the occasion: “It is not a good thing to lose against your rivals at home but I must accept we did not play
well today. Silver were the better side and deserved the victory. We will have to go back on the drawing board and rectify our mistakes before the next assignments.”
His counter-part Lovemore Fazili praised his charges for playing their lungs out from start to finish: “In our first two games, we were only playing in the first half and failing to take our chances but today, we played the whole 90 minutes and credit should go to the boys for taking instructions. This win is a major morale booster in our camp and I see a good future in this squad.”
Symbolic presentation of the newly launched netball bonanza trophy from MPICO officials (L)at Gateway Mall in Lilongwe - Pic by Stanley Makuti (mana)[/caption]
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Symbolic presentation of the newly launched netball bonanza trophy from MPICO officials (L)at Gateway Mall in Lilongwe - Pic by Stanley Makuti[/caption]
The tournament called Gateway Mall Netball challenge will be launched on 7th May and run until September.
Operations and Marketing Manager for Gateway Shopping Mall Ellen Chapinduka Nyasulu told journalists in Lilongwe that promoting the sport is part of their social responsibility to their clients.
“It is a known fact that netball is the sport that its players do well both locally and internationally yet there is poor sponsorship, we would like to develop the sport and promote it beginning with the central region this year,” said Nyasulu.
She hinted that the sponsorship is not only for this year but will continue in the following years “we will even increase the money,” she said.
Central region netball committee has stayed for a long time without sponsorship and this is the first time a sponsor has committed to help.
Fanuel Katengeza, Chairperson for Central Region Netball Committee said he was happy with the sponsorship.
“This is a good development, we need more sponsors like it happens with football, this is the first time an organization has sponsored central region netball, we are happy,” he said.
The tournament is open to central region netball teams which are slated to play on one of the car parks at the mall where top eight will challenge each other for the grand prize of K1.5 million. – Additional reporting by Stanley Makuti
Match of the Monday: Wizards and Red Lions[/caption]
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Fight for the ball Lions and Wizards - Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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Red Lions complaining to the referee...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Peter Mponda guides Wizards to first victory -Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Man of the match ....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Wizards players on cloud nine....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Prophet Bushiri: MABA ask for his help[/caption]
MABA acting General Secretary Eliah Kamphinda Banda told Nyasa Times that so far they have asked the man of God to help in supporting at least 5 amateur boxers to qualifiers in Azerbaijan in Baku.
"We have tried every way possible but it seems there is no opening beckoning us that's why we are very optimistic that Man of God Major Prophet Bushiri can help," he said.
For the trip to take place the body need at least K23.4 million for air tickets, insurance, upkeep and visa where need be.
"This is a budget for five boxers, one coach and two officials; and also for camping either in South Africa or Zambia. The games will be mid next month,"said Kamphinda Banda.
Malawi Boxing Association which has been in existence for over 20 years has no offices and depends more on Government through Malawi National Sports Council.
Recently they organized a National Championship in Liwonde which unearthed many young and upcoming boxers who can bring medals to Malawi.
In December, MABA through Malawi Olympic Committee and and International Boxing Association organized a 1-star course. Unfortunately, we are yet to raise an equivalent of $2100 for the results and certificates to come out.
"Although we are eagerly awaiting for the K23.4 million from the man of God, we pray if we could have at least an extra K10m from other sources for administrative costs which includes the money to retrieve the certificates," he said.
Recently, Bushiri donated K44 million to the Malawi national football team, the Flames, before facing Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Leicester City the champions[/caption]
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Manager Claudio Ranieri made an emotional phone call to Guus Hiddink to thank Chelsea for handing Leicester City the title after a tumultuous night when the Italian’s name was sung loud at Stamford Bridge.[/caption]
The result provoked an outpouring of celebration in the provincial English city and as far away as Thailand and 
Ramadhan: Wizards are coming good[/caption]
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Wizards FC coach Peter Mponda[/caption]
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Lots Chawinga and Dillo during the mathc[/caption]
Wizards, who were relegated in their debut appearance last season but found their way back into the top flight football following their win in the play offs, mesmerised the sizeable crowd that turned up on the Labour Day holiday.
Despite losing a couple of their five key players to top clubs at the close of last season, Wizards were on the onslaught right from the first whistle and immediately won the hearts of the fans with their fancy footwork and one touch passing football.
They lost many chances in the first half to end the first half goalless but immediately after recess, after a series of mesmerising passes, Patrick Phiri rose to the occasion to open the scores and from then on it was a case of controlling the game by excellent defending and very innovative counter attacks.
“They play a 4-5-1 formula and their midfield moves forward so effectively to supply the lone striker,” Ramadhan said. “As soon as they win possession, the defence does not just kick the ball upfront but they craftily feed the midfield, which in turn push forward to support the lone striker.
“They are still a good side and I am quite sure they will continue more upsets like they did today, which they could have won by a large margin if they had been more composed in front of goal,” said the coach.
One Ndirande-based fan Jeremiah Kazembe said he was happy that despite losing the key players, Wizards seem not to have lost any self esteem but to show that they still can play their fancy man-to-man passing game.
“We enjoyed their style of play last season and this time around, they seem to have matured because they are able to shoot at goal,” he said.
“Last season, they were not good at crossing the ball but now they are good at it but when they do that they need to have numbers in the box.”
Meanwhile, Lilongwe-based Blue Eagles have opened a 6-point lead after week three of the season having won all their four games.
They won both their away games this weekend beating Azam Tigers 1-0 on Saturday and Max Bullets 5-3 the following day. Maxwell Salambula scored their first hat-trick of the season.
On second place are Mzuzu University (Mzuni) who beat Moyale Barracks 1-0 in their derby on Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium while Mighty Be Forward Wanderers are third with five points after drawing 1-1 with arch rivals Nyasa Big Bullets on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in the Blantyre derby.
The Lilongwe derby on Sunday saw Silver Strikers beating Civo 2-1 for the Bankers to move from position 15 to 12. Civo have moved from third to 6th.
Nyasa Big Bullets tie on five points with Wanderers but have moved to fourth from 6th while Moyale, who were second last week, are on position five.
This coming weekend’s fixtures are as follows:
Saturday, May 7
Silver Strikers v Wizards at Silver Stadium
Mzuni FC v Max Bullets at Mzuzu Stadium
Epac FC v Dwangwa at Civo Stadium
Be Forward Wanderers v Civo United at Kamuzu Stadium
Sunday, May 8
Moyale v Max Bullets at Mzuzu Stadium
Azam Tigers v Civo United at Kamuzu Stadium
Blue Eagles v Red Lions at Nankhaka
Kamuzu Barracks v Wizards at Civo Stadium
Mafco v Nyasa Big Bullets at Chitowe
The following is how they stand:
P W D L Pts
1. Blue Eagles 4 4 0 0 12
2. Mzuni 3 2 0 1 6
3. Wanderers 3 1 2 0 5
4. Big Bullets 3 1 2 0 5
5. Moyale 3 1 1 1 4
6. Civo United 3 1 1 1 4
7. Mafco 3 1 1 1 4
8. Azam Tigers 3 1 1 0 4
9. Epac 3 1 0 2 3
10. Wizards 1 1 0 0 3
11. Dwanga 4 0 3 1 3
12. Silver 3 1 0 2 3
13. Red Lions 3 1 0 2 3
14. Max Bullets 3 0 2 1 2
15. KB 4 0 2 1 2
16. Karonga 0 0 0 0 0
Cobbe players mark Wadabwa - Photo By Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Chande is joined by Nomads stars after debut goal - Photo by Jerom Kadewere[/caption]
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A goal by Cobbe[/caption]
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Wanderers players celebrate - Photo by Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Nomads signature celebration[/caption]
Chande who has been the centre of attention amongst soccer lovers recently following his move from Nyasa Big Bullets to their bitter rivals Wanderers came on as a second half substitute when the two teams were level at 1-1.
Wanderers began the match as the better side. No wonder veteran Peter Wadabwa scored the competition’s quickest goal so far with his first touch within the first minute of the first half after receiving a through ball from Rafiq Namwera.
However despite starting the match on a high, the Southern region premier league outfit were level sixteen minutes later with Fanuel Fukizi registering his name on the score-sheet.
Fukizi’s strike gave a glimmer of hope amongst Cobbe Barracks players who took the game into Wanderer’s half on several occasions but failed to convert their chances into goals.
Pressure started mounting on the Nomad’s bench and few minutes later they pulled off their Nigerian import Amos Bello for Jabulani Linje.
The early substitution didn’t bother Cobbe who finished the first half on a high.
However, soon after the recess, the long wait for Chande to make his Wanderers debut was due and Ted Sumani made way for the former Bullets mid-field mate. A few minutes later, Chande’s name became the toast amongst Wanderers supporters as he reminded them how he used to punish teams at the Kamuzu stadium while in Bullets colours last season.
The diminutive Chande jumped passed tall Cobbe defenders to score Wanderer’s second goal from an Isaac Kaliati’s cross setting celebrations amongst Wanderers supporters in the stands.
Peter Wadabwa then put the game to bed ten minutes before time scoring after a series of passes between Nomads players.
Despite making several efforts towards the last minutes of the game, Cobbe could not get the goals needed to keep them in the competition and it was 3-1 the final result in favour of the Wanderers to the delight of their Coach Jack Chamangwana who was full of praise for his players.
“My players deserve the victory because they fought from onset. Yes we had fatigue considering the game we played on Saturday against Bullets but we showed we are a better side and deserve to go through to the next level of the competition. We are focusing on the next game now and its CIVO in the TNM super league,” said Chamangwana.
Commenting on Chande’s performance, Chamangwana was full of praise for the former Bullets star.
“Everyone knows what he is made up of. He is dangerous both in the air and on the ground. The only thing remaining for him is match fitness and we are working on it during our trainings but overall he is very skillful,”Chamangwana said.
In his remarks, Cobbe Barracks Coach Tione Mhone congratulated Wanderers for winning the tie.
The former Zomba United Coach also said he was not bitter with the result but it will be homework for him as he prepares his team for the Southern region premier league kick-off.
Vice President Dr.Chilima accompanied by the Ministers of Sports inspectsm Bingu National Stadium[/caption]
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Chilima is being briefed at the Stadium (C) Stanley Makuti - Mana[/caption]
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Chilima speaking to reporters after touring the Bingu National Stadium - Photo by Nyasa Times[/caption]
Construction of the 40,500-seater stadium completed on November 30, 2015 but President Peter Mutharika is yet to perform the official opening of the facility due to failure by the Ministry of Sports to raise about K500 million for completion of some facilities, which were not covered in the construction agreement between Malawi government and Chinese construction firm Anhui Foreign Construction Company Limited.
Amongst the facilities the Ministry is expected to put in place include a sewer system, electricity, an MTL fibre cable and furniture. The stadium does also not have an evacuation system.
Presently, the stadium is using electricity power used for the construction, which is not enough for other functions requiring power including floodlights.
But speaking when he toured the stadium on Wednesday, Chilima felt the outstanding elements were very little to hamper the stadium opening.
“From what I have seen, the sewer system remains the crucial issue since there are over 800 toilets at the stadium. Once the sewer system has been installed, I think H.E can open the stadium. We should not be worried about playing football at night. In the state it is, the stadium can host a football match or any other activity during the day as long as the critical issue has been addressed.
“We can look at the other elements after opening the stadium,” said Chilima, who took over an hour inspecting the facilities and being briefed by Sports Ministry officials.
On safety of spectators, the Vice President admitted safety was of paramount importance and assured government would ensure there is maximum safety at the stadium. He gave an example of the 76,000-seater Old Trafford Stadium- home to English giants Manchester United, where he said all spectators can be evacuated within eight minutes in case of an emergency.
Sports Minister Grace ‘Obama’ Chiumia, who invited the Vice President to visit the stadium expressed optimism that the stadium would open soon.
“My wish is to see the stadium opened before July 6 but that all depends on the availability of funds at Treasury. The stadium could have been opened by now but there are other critical issues that government is addressing at the moment like the food shortage, shortage of drugs in our hospitals, the natural disasters and other economic problems that the country is experiencing.
“But I am hopeful that Treasury will find a way before the 2016-2017 budget is approved,” by Parliament,” she said.
Chiumia said there were few things which are needed to be finalised such as solar lights, Malawi Telecommunication Limited (MTL) cables and Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (Escom) main cable need to be connected.
She said this will cost government about MK500 million, after the completion the stadium will be opened.
Chiumia said: “The construction of the sewer line will depend on the availability of the funds, if available it can be started as soon as they can be installed.
“As we all know that priority is sewer line, yes we have generators which can be used as electricity for a one day function. But there are issues which we need to sit down as a cabinet and discuss”.
She said government prioritises sports and the evidence of its commitment is the construction of the Bingu National Stadium and the support that it gives to the teams of the country.
Diverson Mlozi in action...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Almost kissed the net....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Dave Ng'ambi on the ball...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Franco Ndawa praised his charges...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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A goalkeeper that refused to put gloves....Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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A dejected Sable player[/caption]
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Henry Kabichi scored....Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
Chiukepo Msowoya opened the scoring for the people’s team 15 minutes into the first half before Henry Kabichi made it two nil 17 minutes later.
Soon after the recess, Bullets made triple substitution with Muhammad Sulumba, Diverson Mlozi and Kondwani Kumwenda who came on for Msowoya, Mussa Manyenje and Mike Mkwate.
This was Kumwenda’s first game in Bullets colours since crossing the road from rivals Mighty Be Forward Wanderers.
The trio made immediate impact into the game and a few minutes later Sulumba scored through a header after lashing through a weak Sable defense.
However, despite conceding a third goal, the Mapanga based club orchestrated a move few minutes later that resulted into a goal with Hector Limau registering his name on the score-sheet.
It was a move that saw Bullets keeper Owen Chaima frustrated as he failed to dive when the ball fell through the goal to the delight of a few section of Sable supporters who came to watch the game.
Soon after Sable scored a consolation goal, Kabichi completed his brace this time from a short corner, a move which he started.
Sulumba completed the scoring 11 minutes before time sealing Bullets progress to the next round of the competition – which is the national phase.
It was a game that saw Sable Farming goalkeeper Benito Sabola playing without gloves. When Nyasa Times tried to check on the development, the response from Football Association of Malawi’s Competitions Manager Gomezgani Zakazaka was that Sabola did not want to despite officials pleading with him.
Speaking to reporters, Bullets Coach Franco Ndawa said he was happy to see his team through to the next round of the Presidential cup.
“Am very happy with the result considering the changes we made. The boys put up a good fight no wonder we got the five goals and the focus now is on the next game. Sable is a good team and gave us a good game,” said Ndawa.
In his remarks, Sable F.C Coach Itaye Kachala congratulated Bullets for winning the tie. He said Bullets is a good team and playing them at the Kamuzu Stadium was somehow difficult for his boys.
“Playing in front a large crowd is somehow difficult and you saw how my boys were taunted by the supporters. But we have learnt a lot from this game and competition in particular. We are out and life has to move on,” Kachala said.
Bullets next assignment is a TNM Super League match in Salima against MAFCO at the Chitowe ground on Sunday.
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