Creck Sporting Club entered the month of May under immense pressure, slumped third from bottom on the TNM Super League table.
The start of the month saw turbulent times, as we struggled to find consistency in results.
Former head coach Joseph Kamwendo, who led the team into the month, was at the helm for two fixtures, a much-needed victory against Mighty Tigers, and a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Mighty Wanderers at Champions Stadium in Mponela.
That loss marked our third of the season, having already suffered heavy 4-1 defeats at the hands of Dedza Dynamos and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
With only one win in five matches and just three points collected from a possible 15, Kamwendo was relieved of his duties. His dismissal came as the club sought a quick turnaround to salvage our early-season campaign.
Harry Saidi, the man who guided Creck Sporting to Super League promotion, was appointed interim head coach. His impact was immediate. His debut match in charge ended in a hard-fought goalless draw against Kamuzu Barracks, a result that brought much-needed stability to the side.
Saidi then inspired us to back-to-back victories over Songwe Border United and Mafco FC, collecting seven points out of a possible nine during his short stint. That run helped lift Creck from 14th to 8th on the table with a total of 11 points by the end of the month.
Players who rose to the occasion;
A number of players have stepped up during this transformation phase. Young midfielder Akuzike Lifa has become a rock in the middle of the park since being introduced into the starting eleven against Blue Eagles, showing strength, and consistency.
Vice-captain Hardy Ng’andu has emerged as a true leader on the pitch. His crucial opener against Songwe Border United not only set the tone for the win, but his overall performances have earned him four Player of the Match awards — the most by any player in the league this season.
Meanwhile, striker Hassan Hussein, a new acquisition from FOMO FC, has made an immediate impact. He netted his first goal for Creck at Aubrey Dimba Stadium, finishing off a brilliant assist from Arnold “Son” Kiyama, and later scored the winner against Mafco at Chitowe Stadium, making him the club’s leading scorer with two goals.
Midfielder Frank Phiri also opened his goal account this season with a timely equalizer against Mafco, following a clever setup from Jauma Edward, who continues to shine as one of the team’s creative forces.
Following Saidi’s successful interim spell, Creck Sporting Club has now appointed seasoned tactician Eliya Kananji as the new head coach. With years of top-flight experience under his belt, Kananji is expected to build on the team’s recent momentum and refine its tactical structure.
Kananji gets straight to work on the training ground as he prepares the young and talented Creck squad for the next phase of the season.
We are not having a league fixture this weekend following the communication from the Super League of Malawi, paving way for the Cosafa Cup which is starting tomorrow until 15th June in South Africa.
