By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE -(MaraviPost)-The Central Region Chipiku Stores Premier Division League championship intensifies as Blue Eagles Reserve and Extreme FC are now neck to neck with the fate to be decided on their last games.
Both teams are anticipated to face Airborne Rangers FC in their final match of the season, the Parachute Battalion giants from Salima’ performance when meeting Extreme and Blue Eagles Reserve will definitely have a key to who will be the champion this season in K25 million Chipiku Stores.
The Young Eagles are on top of the summit with 62 points from 29 games while Extreme FC are second with 61 points, a point shy against the young Eagles.
On Saturday, 24 January Extreme travels to Salima at Mangoes ground to face Airborne Rangers.
The outcome of the battle will have an impact on the Championship race.
A win for Extreme will take their tally of points to 64 dislodging Eagles Reserve on the summit giving them a huge chance to win the title if the Young Eagles drop any point against Airborne Rangers on 31st at Nankhaka Stadium, however, draw or loss it will be of advantage to the area 30 cops.
The Mchinji based outfits are going into this game shoulder high as they won the first round fixture 2-0 at home, Owen Malijani ground.
Extreme head coach Trust Nyirenda is upbeat to collect maximum points in the Lakeshore District of Salima.
“We played Airborne before and we know their weaknesses. This is a crucial game for the title chase hence we can’t afford to lose it. The boys are eager to play and we have full confidence to win the match”, Nyirenda said.
His counterpart assistant coach for Airborne Rangers Shambai Kandula acknowledged it will be a tough game but vowed to fight their fingers crossed.
“Extreme is a good side but we are also fighting to remain in the league so we can’t afford to drop points so easily. They defeated us in the first leg away in Mchinji and this is our time to cause the damage on their title chase”, Kandula said.
Blue Eagles Reserve have been on the top of the table for good part of the season, but their inconsistent run towards the end of the season is now putting them under pressure for the championship.
The Young Eagles have registered three draws, one loss and one win in their recent fixtures. The 2-0 defeat away to Chisomo Academy at Kasungu Stadium spoiled their ambition to win the title with a game to spare.
Winner of the 2025 Chipiku Stores Premier Division League will take home k8 million while runners up will get K3 million, third place will pocket K1.5 million and fourth placed team will get K1 million.
The prize money have been adjusted from the 2024 season where the champions Blue Eagles FC pocketed MK5.2 million while runners up Villa FC got K1.2 million, third placed Mitundu Baptist received MK800,000.
Meanwhile, Extreme FC have all chances to be promoted to the NBS National Division League even if they finish second on the table as Blue Eagles Reserve are not eligible to play in the Malawi’s second tier league.
