Chilumba Super League hopes dashed: Malawi army trim teams in top league

Malawi Defence Force  (MDF) has disclosed the intention to trim the number of teams it sponsors in the flagship Super league.

The development has delivered a body blow to Chilumba Barracks who were duly promoted to Malawi’s top league after emerging champions in the Northern Region Football Association League.

Chilumba Barracks official Lt Col Basikolo confirmed the development being informed from the headquarters that they would not be able to sponsor the team in Super League.

Lt Col said there was nothing that the team could after the news despite that they were gearing to taste the top flight league.

“It’s sad that the news which started as rumour has been officially communicated to us that we should withdraw because of financial reasons,” Lt Col Basikolo said.

Meanwhile, MDF  spokesperson Brigadier Mhone said MDF would like to cut down expenses by reducing the number of teams in the top league to three teams.

“The cost of running these teams is high so we are intending to have one team only per region by 2017 season,” he said.

Currently MDF sponsors four teams Red Lion, Moyale Barracks, Kamuzu Barracks and Mafco in the top league while Airborne Rangers were relegated last season.

The development is likely going to boomerang with Karonga United who finished second to Chilumba Barracks have made it clear that they no money to rejoin the topflight league.

The new season is expected to kick off on April 16.