Silver Strikers on Saturday won the TNM Super League title after 11 years following a 1-0 victory over Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre
Defender MacDonald Lamecks’s scored the bankers lone goal in the 53rd minute and it was enough to hand the bankers the first title since 2013.
The Lilongwe based side have won the title with two games so spare as second-placed Wanderers can only amass 61 points if they win their remaining two matches.
Though yesterday’s match ended the title race, the Bankers owe their success to a vigilant campaign under their new coach Peter Mponda since the season kicked off in April.
They have been ruthless at their home and daring when playing away, collecting points from teams that could pose a threat to their title chase.
They beat Civil Service United 2-0 away, Wanderers 2-0 at home and FCB Nyasa Bullets 1-0, results that ensured they finished top at the end of the first round with 37 points.
With defending champions Bullets out of contention, only Wanderers were left to challenge Silver for the title.
But on Wednesday the Bankers opened a seven-point gap between them and the Nomads after a 2-0 victory over Baka City following the Nomads’ two-all draw with Mafco.
With Wanderers having dropped two vital points, Silver needed just a point to be confirmed champions.
But they left nothing to chance and collected maximum points.
The victory over Wanderers means Silver have won 18 matches and drawn 10, scoring 53 goals and conceded 14 to record a goal difference of 39.
In a post-match interview, a calm and composed Mponda said they deserved the championship.
He said: “Today it was a professional performance. We deserved to be champions.
“We have been consistent throughout the season. I have been demanding too much from the players. Today, they have delivered.”
Lameck, who was name Man of the Match, said it was a milestone in his career.
“It feels good to be champions and scoring in the decisive match,” he said.
The Nomads, who have won 16, drawn six and lost six, scoring 54 goals and conceded 17 to register a goal difference of 37, will now concentrate on the second position.
Wanderers caretaker coach Bob Mpinganjira bemoaned wasted scoring opportunities in the first half.
“Anyway that’s part of football. Congratulations to Silver,” he said.
Wanderers are remaining with fixtures against Creck Sporting Club on December 4 before wrapping up the season against Moyale Barracks on December 7.
Silver remaining fixtures are against Fomo FC on December 4 and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on the last day of the season
