By Ebenezer
Silver Strikers have clinched their first TNM Super League title in 11 years, securing the championship with two games to spare after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
Peter Mponda, in his debut season as head coach, has led the Central Bankers to a historic campaign, ending a decade-long drought and maintaining an unbeaten record across 28 games. The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when right-back MacDonald Lameck capitalized on a defensive error, slotting past Flames goalkeeper William Thole.
Despite dominating possession, Wanderers managed only a single shot on target in the first half, easily dealt with by Silver’s goalkeeper George Chikooka, who has been a standout performer this season. Mponda’s tactical masterstroke—a defensively solid, counter-attacking approach—ensured that the Bankers kept their composure and saw out the narrow victory.
With 64 points, Silver Strikers sit 10 points clear of second-placed Wanderers, who have no chance of catching them. This win also marks a league double over the Nomads, following a 2-0 triumph in the first round.
“This is a monumental achievement,” said a jubilant Mponda post-match. “The boys executed our game plan perfectly. I’m grateful to the Silver Strikers board for their unwavering support. We wouldn’t have reached this milestone without them.”
Silver’s remarkable campaign includes 18 wins and 10 draws, while Wanderers, with 54 points, have suffered six losses. Meanwhile, defending champions Nyasa Bullets are out of contention, having struggled throughout the season with only 46 points from 27 games.
As the Bankers prepare to lift their ninth league title, they also stand to pocket a K100 million prize. However, at the bottom of the table, relegation looms for Baka City, Fomo FC, and Chitipa United, all of whom sit below the 25-point threshold.
The 2024 TNM Super League season will be remembered for Silver Strikers’ dominance, Mponda’s tactical brilliance, and a championship race that, for once, didn’t go down to the wire.