The 2025 TNM Super League season has brought with it an unusual talking point: why are some teams playing more matches than others?
Fans across the country have noticed the discrepancy and are asking why fairness seems compromised in what is supposed to be Malawi’s premier football competition.
While some clubs have played as many as 25 games, others have only completed 20 or 21.
This difference is significant in a league where every point counts and it can have serious implications for teams chasing the title or fighting relegation.
According to Sulom, all teams are meant to play an equal number of matches to maintain fairness.
The organization insists that this approach ensures no team is unfairly advantaged and it aligns with international best practices in league management.
This principle mirrors the NBS National Division League, where every team plays the same number of games.
In that league, fans rarely question the schedule because the competition is clearly balanced and every team competes on equal footing from start to finish.
Unequal fixtures have caused tension and confusion in the TNM Super League. Teams are unsure if the scheduling is random or deliberate, which adds uncertainty to the season and fuels speculation about favoritism and league management.
Some observers worry that extra matches for certain teams may give them an advantage, especially those chasing the top positions. These additional games allow teams to rack up points more quickly, potentially altering the competitive dynamics of the league.
Sports analyst Ibrahim Phiri explains that when leading teams have played more games, it can create the perception that the league favors certain clubs. This perception alone can impact the morale and performance of rival teams, who may feel the system is stacked against them.
Phiri warns that unequal scheduling could increase the risk of match-fixing or manipulation, particularly in crucial end-of-season games.
If fans lose trust in the fairness of the league, it could harm the reputation of the TNM Super League for years to come.
He also notes that teams trailing in the standings often feel immense pressure to win every match, assuming that “games in hand” will automatically translate into more points. This mindset can lead to mistakes on the pitch and affect strategic planning.
Phiri stresses that this perception is misleading. Additional games do not guarantee success and teams must still perform under pressure to secure the points needed to climb the league table.
SULOM has defended its scheduling system, saying that assigning extra matches is part of a plan to ensure the league concludes by December 20, 2025. They argue that this approach allows organizers to manage fixtures efficiently and deliver a competitive end to the season.
However, this plan seems at odds with the Football Association of Malawi’s official calendar, which indicates the season should end in March 2026.
The conflicting timelines have added to the confusion and led some fans to question the coordination between league organizers and the mother body.
The scheduling debate continues to divide opinions among fans, players and club officials.
Supporters of the current system argue that it is necessary for logistical reasons, while critics maintain that fairness should never be compromised for convenience.
Regardless of the reasons, playing an unequal number of matches affects the integrity and competitiveness of the league. Fair competition is the backbone of any sporting event, and any perception of favoritism undermines the spirit of football in Malawi.
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