It has been 11 years since Silver Strikers were crowned champions of the TNM Super League.
And this afternoon, they will be licking their lips in anticipation when they face Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in what promises to be an explosive encounter at Kamuzu Stadium.
But for Wanderers, this afternoon’s match is between life and death to keep their slim hopes of ending their seven-year wait for the league title.
At stake is a cool K100 million prize money for this year’s TNM Super League champions, up from K40 million last year.
Silver last won the title during the 2013/14 season. Then, Silver clinched their third consecutive title following a 2-1 victory over Wanderers in a match played behind closed doors at Kamuzu Stadium.
This was after the initial fixture was abandoned due to violence that led to the death of one fan and 20 others injured at Balaka Stadium.
Fast forward, the two sides face-off in a similar battle for the ultimate prize.
Going into the battle, Wanderers are walking wounded after they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-all against Mafco—a result that dampened their title hopes.
But Silver know fate in their hands as they just need a draw against Wanderers to win the 2024 TNM Super League championship.
A win for Wanderers in today’s match, will take the title race to an exciting finale.
Silver are on top of the table with 61 points from 27 matches—one point better than what FCB Nyasa Big Bullets achieved last season when they won their fifth title on the bounce.
But Bullets era of dominance came to an end when they shared the spoils with Silver after a goal-less draw at Silver Stadium.
Wanderers need a miracle to win the championship as they trail Silver by seven points with three matches to go. But the beauty of football is that anything can happen.
Heading into this afternoon’s potential decider, Wanderers have a score to settle against Silver having lost 2-0 in the first round at Silver Stadium before a 1-0 defeat in the Airtel Top 8 semi-final at Bingu National Stadium.
This promises to be an exciting encounter.
In all fairness, both sides have assembled good squads capable of crashing any force in domestic football.
But the difference is that Wanderers lack fighting spirit compared to Silver.
Sounding calm, Wanderers interim coach Bob Mpinganjira said the game against Silver is a perfect chance to atone themselves.
“We will take the game seriously as we need to win. We have told the players to take off pressure and play simple,” Mpinganjira said.
Wanderers will be without Gaddie Chirwa and Mphatso Kamanga due to injuries but they should have faith in William Thole, Lawrence Chaziya, Blessings Singini, Wisdom Mpinganjira and Clement Nyondo.
Taking his turn, Mponda is confident that his charges will not falter in the closing stages of the season.
Silver have all the weapons available Including Nickson Mwase, Maxwell Paipi, Chimwemwe Idana, Binwell Katinji and Stain Davie.
At this stage, the title is for Silver to lose but Wanderers still have some hopes of snatching it under their noses.
For the first time in five years, there will be a new champion as Bullets dominance came to an end.
Bullets under the tutelage of Kalisto Pasuwa created an aura of invincibility in domestic football.
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