Blantyre Zero crowned SRWFL champions
Blantyre Zero read the script of winning league title very well and were crowned 2012-2013 Champions in the Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika Southern Region Women’s Football League on Saturday after thrashing Zomba City Queens in an encounter which took place at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre.
The Blantyre based out-fit were on a serious business from the word go, as they produced a good performance especially through the likes of Maggie Chombo, Sheila Dimba and Sungeni Msiska who were a marvel to watch.
It took 18 minutes for an opener from Sheila Dimba with a long range shot.
Zomba City Queens breathed fire, pinning their opponents but could not get the target.
Blantyre Zero goalkeeper, who also is Malawi National Women’s Football team first choice keeper, was too good to Zomba City Queens strikers.
Sungeni Msiska released a thunderous shot to make it 2-0.
However, in the 60th minute of the game there was controversy when Blantyre Zero Coach Abel Mkandawire introduced fresh legs in the name of Yanjanani Pinanji.
When the player was been introduced nobody logged a complaint until she scored the third goal for her team.
Zomba City Queens players and officials protested that the scorer was banned by Women’s Football President Sugzo Ngwira; thereby she was not eligible to play.
The players and official insisted that Pinanji was banned despite officials from Southern Region Women’s League clearing the mist surrounding the issue that the matter was between two people.
The situation left the referee with no choice rather to blow the whistle to mark the end of the game.
Southern Region Women’s Football League Chairperson Catherine Chikandura told Nyasa Times that the game was awarded to Blantyre Zero because Zomba City Queens allegations were baseless.
Chikandura said that Zomba Queens could have played under protest than cause the abandonment.
She also insisted that what has remained is to hear from the sponsor the actual date for the presentation ceremony.
Blantyre Zero mentor, Abel Mkandawire was delighted with the outcome of the game describing it as a sweet revenge.
“It’s a fantastic day for us. I am very happy because our ambition has been fulfilled. When I was
taking this team from my late colleague l promised the sponsor that come rain or sunshine we will be crowned champions,” said Mkandawire.
Blantyre Zero is expected to carter home K300, 000 while Zomba City Queens will go away with K200, 000 for claiming second position.
