By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The preliminary round of the Central Region Football Association Chipiku Stores Premier Division League, with a total prize fund of MK16.5 million, concluded over the weekend, revealing the 12 teams that have advanced to the final phase.
In Group A, Support Battalion FC secured the top spot with 30 points from 14 games.
Mbabvi United FC followed closely in second place with 27 points, while Namitete Zitha FC claimed the third position with 22 points.
Leyman Panthers FC finished fourth with 21 points from 14 games.
In Group B, Silver Strikers Reserve FC dominated with 30 points from 14 games, while Mangoni Warriors FC secured second place with 23 points.
Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC are third with 20 points and tied with LUANAR FC who are fourth due to goal difference.
Group C was led by Kawinga FC with 32 points, while Villa FC from Mchinji took second place with 25 points.
Airborne Rangers FC, based in Salima, finished third with 21 points, tying with Ngolowindo FC, who also earned 21 points but had a different goal difference.
Unfortunately, three teams—TN Stars FC from Kasungu, who were chopped from Malawi’s elite league in 2022 season, Play Football Malawi from Likuni, Lilongwe, and Mkanda Youth FC from Mchinji—have been relegated after accumulating only 9,11 and 12 points respectively from 14 games.
Nine teams have successfully avoided relegation, including newcomers Santhe ADMARC FC, Carotyte Salima FC, and Kamba FC from Kaliyeka in Lilongwe.
The other teams including Mchinji Strikers FC, Ekas Freight Wanderers FC, Dedza Young Soccer FC, Dwangwa United FC, Simbi FC, and Wimbe United FC.
During the preliminary round, a total of 448 goals were scored in 336 games.
The 12 qualified teams will now engage in a round-robin format, and the eventual winner at the end of the season is to earn promotion to the Super League.
CRFA Chairman Austin Biton Ajawa, despite a few challenges such as fuel shortages leading to teams arriving late at game venues and issues with cooperation between referees and teams, described the first round of the league as a success.
He emphasized that the committee would address teams that failed to fulfill fixtures, in line with the league’s rules and regulations.
The final phase of the Chipiku Premier Division League is set to commence soon, with all matches scheduled at neutral venues to ensure fairness as the league reaches its crucial stage.
