Despite needing just one win from their remaining four fixtures to clinch the inaugural National Bank of Malawi NBM Women’s Premiership title, Silver Strikers Ladies head coach Andrew Chikhosi has cautioned that there is no room for complacency, insisting that every remaining opponent poses a genuine threat.
The league leaders return to action on Sunday when they host fourth placed Kukoma Ntopwa Women at Silver Stadium. Kukoma moved into fourth position last weekend after beating MDF Lionesses 2 0 at Mpira Stadium, underlining their growing momentum in the title run in.
Kukoma Ntopwa remain mathematically in contention for a strong finish and could even challenge for second place if results elsewhere go in their favour. Their confidence has been boosted by recent performances, making them a potentially tricky opponent for the leaders despite playing away from home.
Silver Strikers Ladies currently lead the table and are within touching distance of the championship, but Chikhosi remains wary of the pressure that comes with the closing stages of the season.
“At this stage of the competition, every team is fighting for something,” Chikhosi said after last weekend’s win over Mighty Wanderers Queens. “Even though we are leading, we cannot afford to relax. Every opponent will come hard at us.”
Silver are followed closely by Ascent Soccer, who have 29 points and host relegated MK Academy on Sunday. Ascent’s maximum possible points total stands at 41 should they win their remaining matches.
Also still in the mix are FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women on 25 points, who travel to Mzuzu to face relegated Topik Academy at Luwinga. A perfect run-in would see the Bullets reach 37 points.
MDF Lionesses, with 22 points, are away to relegation-threatened Moyale Sisters, while Civil Service Women, who share the same points tally, travel to face Mighty Wanderers Queens, currently seventh with 20 points.
Reflecting on their recent 2 0 victory over Wanderers Queens, Chikhosi noted that opponents are increasingly adapting to Silver’s style of play.
“They crowded us at the back and made it difficult to build from there, forcing us to play long balls,” he said. “We have gone back to the drawing board to come up with alternative attacking approaches.”
Silver Strikers Ladies have suffered only one defeat all season, a loss to city rivals MDF Lionesses in the opening match of the second round.
Meanwhile, Ascent Soccer head coach Thom Mkorongo admitted that injuries have affected his side’s push, citing the recent injury to playmaker Fatima Ali, who was stretchered off during their 2 1 loss to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women.
He also called on match officials to offer greater protection to players, noting the increasingly competitive nature of the league.
“The league has exposed a lot of talent that can feed into the Scorchers,” Mkorongo said. “That is why referees must take firm action against dangerous fouls to protect the players.”
One player who continues to dominate the headlines is Silver Strikers Ladies forward Deborah Henry, who leads the Golden Boot race with 22 goals. Her tally gives her an unassailable lead of 14 goals over her nearest challengers.
Trailing her on eight goals apiece are Ascent Soccer internationals Mayamiko Mkandawire and Leticia Chinyamula, alongside Mighty Wanderers Queens forward Tawina Kawaga. Kukoma Ntopwa’s Takondwa Gambuleni and Kondawo Banda follow with seven goals each.
Civil Service Women’s Vitumbiko Mkandawire has scored six goals, while Bullets Women duo Mary Chavinda and Vanessa Issa, Civil’s Jessie Yosefe, and Moyale Sisters’ Maurine Phiri are all on five goals.
With four match weeks remaining, the title race, top three battle, and relegation fight promise a dramatic finish to the inaugural NBM Women’s Premiership season.
