By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE–(MaraviPost)–The 2025 Central Region Chipiku Stores Premier Division League concludes this weekend, with traditional powerhouses struggling to maintain their dominance as Dwangwa United faces relegation to Division One.
Long-serving members of the Central Region Chipiku Stores Premier Division League—including Dwangwa United, Mchinji Boma Strikers, TN Stars, Airborne Rangers, Armour Battalion, and Mbabzi United—have failed to perform up to expectations, with mixed fortunes across the season.
The traditional big guns have failed to secure a top-six finish with one game remaining to wrap up the season, while others have already completed their fixtures.
Mbabzi United sits in seventh place with 44 points from 29 games, followed by Armour Battalion in 8th, Mchinji Boma Strikers in 9th, Airborne Rangers in 11th, and TN Stars in 13th.
Dwangwa United, who have completed their games, are confirmed relegated in 14th position, while Green Rangers occupy 16th place.
The poor performance has worried the Central Region Football Association, though officials attribute it to increased competition in the 2025 season, which saw newcomers Blue Eagles Reserve dominate by holding first position from the first round through much of the second round.
CRFA General Secretary Antonio Manda explained: “Competition was high amongst the teams this season, hence the downfall of the traditional teams in the league.
Poor preparations ahead of kickoff, including administration issues, led them to fail to acquire the services of quality players. Our league has never been predictable and is one of the best in the country.”
Manda has urged fans to attend in large numbers on Saturday, January 31st, as the league concludes with Blue Eagles Reserve hosting Airborne Rangers FC at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.
“We anticipate a good turnout. The elite league is in the off-season, so I urge coaches and sports fans to come to Nankhaka Stadium to watch our final game.
“This will help coaches identify talents for their teams ahead of next season,” Manda added.
Dwangwa United FC Chairperson Aifeo Mwenda attributed the team’s relegation to lack of sponsorship and quality players.
“Dwangwa is now sponsored by the community and committee members, so meeting the required standards is a challenge. We lacked quality players to handle the competitive heat in this league. We believe once we improve and recruit better players, the landscape will be different altogether, and we will be very competitive next season in Division One before bouncing back stronger to the Premier League,” Mwenda said.
Dwangwa United was previously relegated from the TNM Super League on December 6th, 2019, following a 0-2 defeat away to Karonga United. Their relegation to the Central Region Division One League may signal the end of the team, as has been the case with other relegated sides.
Meanwhile, Extreme FC and Blue Eagles Reserve FC fight for the championship with the Mchinji based outfit, occupying position on a better goal difference as the two sides are tied on 62 points.
Eagles wrap the season with a home fixture against Airborne Rangers FC at Nankhaka Stadium.
