The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has lost some points on provision of security at match venues, but scored high on revenue collection in the first round of the TNM Super League. Nation on Sunday has established that the first round was characterised by violent incidents, especially at match venues in Dedza, Lilongwe and Blantyre despite the league governing body engaging private security firms to maintain order. Notable incidents include a fracas at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe where Silver Strikers supporters attacked Mafco players verbally before physically pouring an unknown liquid at Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa and other players on their way to the dressing room after the match. Another incident involved Ekhaya FC goalkeeper Elias Missi who strangled FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ Babatunde Adepoju during a match played at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, which ended 1-0 in favour of the visiting Bullets. Bullets, too, were embroiled in violent conduct after their supporters stoned their own club’s bus and forced players to walk after an unexpected 3-3 draw against Karonga United FC. As if that was not enough, Songwe Border FC also faced an intimidating atmosphere and hostile reception at Dedza Stadium. All concerned teams such as Silver Strikers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Ekhaya condemned the incidents demonstrated by either their supporters or players. In an interview, Sulom general s e c r e t a r y Wil l i ams Banda acknowledged the incidents’ negative impact on the league, saying it is not healthy for football. “We witnessed security lapses in the first round. We urge hired firms to provide adequate security as teams are always punished for incidents that could have been avoided. Let’s do better in the second round in relation to violence control,” he said. Meanwhile, Stone Mwamadi, who is director of supporters at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, said: “We have addressed the issue with the supporters. That kind of thing will not happen again as we are taking serious measures. Our president Konrad Buckle is very angry with that incident,” he said. On his part, Silver Strikers Football Club chairperson King Malaya said they have had meetings with supporters on the importance of maintaining discipline. “Generally our supporters behaved well in the first round except for that incident against Mafco. The supporter who caused the incident has been punished and banished from coming to our matches. We will continue to enforce disciplines,” he said. Performance of teams While Sulom was quick to point out that security would be enhanced during the second round, the league governing body hailed the first round, saying it was competitive as evidenced by the fact that even soccer pundits failed to predict the final outcome. At the moment, Mighty Wanderers led the first round with 35 points whereas Bullets are second on 34 points and the defending champions Silver Strikers are third with 30 points. To the surprise of soccer pundits, rookies Ekhaya FC have defied odds as they have outperformed seasoned teams to land on fourth position with 28 points. Blue Eagles, who were also just promoted from the lower league this season, are on position 7 with 23 points. However, fellow new entrants Karonga-based Songwe Border are anchoring the log table with 2 points from 15 games. The current TNM Super League log table standings are in contrast to last season at the same time when Silver led on 37 points and second-placed Wanderers were 9 points behind on 28 points and Mzuzu City Hammers, who are now second from the bottom with 8 points, were third with 25 points. Renowned soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda confessed that the 2025 first round was too close to call. “The first round ended well with no team in full control of the race. Wanderers have not lost a match but due to a number of draws, they have been unable to pull clear of second-placed Bullets who have lost thrice already only to trail behind by a single point,” he said. Nyirenda said newcomers Ekhaya, who are in position 4, must be satisfied with their performance and look safe not only to survive, but finish the race in the Top 8 bracket. “Disappointment must be to Mzuzu Hammers who completed last season on a healthy fourth position yet this time around they are stuck at No. 15 with 8 points and definitely destined for the chop,” he said. Nyirenda also said for Songwe Border to survive relegation, they will need a miracle. Second round expectations Despite the poor performance, Songwe Border have not yet thrown in the towel and believe fortunes can change in the next round. Songwe Border general secretary Teflon Palisha said experience has been the main contributing factor to their dismal performance. “But we will come back with resilience and there will be redemption,” he said, adding the club does not have a sponsor and depends on contributions from executive members. On his part, Mzuzu City Hammers head coach Elias Chisambo expressed optimism that the next round will be better as they have already started scouting for new players. “The team played well, but we had problems scoring. That’s the issue that has been affecting us. We are optimistic of a better and more improved second round. The last five games we have been playing big teams but our performance has been good,” he said. Despite the apparent setbacks, Sulom has scored big on revenue collection reaching the billion mark for the first time. The 2025 TNM Super League first round has raked in K1 064 184 626.00 from K689 298 100 in 2024 during the same period representing a 54.39 percent increase.