Al Merrikh new catch Salima bags Malawi best player gong

Al Merrikh SC new signing Chikumbutso Salima has been named Malawi Player of the Year 2025. The accolade recognises the attacker’s contribution of 15 goals and 13 assists in the TNM Super League while playing for Malawi giants FCB Nyasa Big Bullets last season.

In a statement, Al Merrikh have since congratulated their new acquisition from Malawi for the award.

“Congratulations to our young star Chikumbutso Salima on winning both the Player of the Season and Top Scorer awards in the 2025 TNM Super League. Keep pushing champion, the biggest stages are waiting for you,” reads the statement.

The 24-year-old, who completed his transfer to the Sudanese Premier League side two weeks ago, also walked away with the joint Golden Boot Award alongside former Bullets team-mate Babatunde Adepoju.

The Nigerian-born forward joined South African second tier league side Venda Football Academy last month and wins the Golden Boot for the second time since relocating to Malawi some 10 years ago. Adepoju now represents the Malawi national team.

Reacting to the award via his Facebook page, the Motsepe Foundation Championship star Adepoju said: “I couldn’t have done it without the grind and the squad behind me. Huge thanks to my teammates your teamwork made this happen. Big shoutout to the technical panel and management for the guidance and trust.

“This award as much yours as it is mine. Thanks for believing in me and pushing me to be my best. Lastly, to the fan base, your chants has made this possible. Time to celebrate and set new targets. Cheers to more wins and more goals… God over everything.”

Who else won the awards?

In other categories, Mighty Wanderers star Blessings Singini was named Midfielder of the Year. It was a recognition of the attacking player’s contribution of goals and assists.

The newly-crowned TNM Super League champions dominated the awards with Bob Mpinganjira named coach of the season, Dalitso Khungwa walked away with goalkeeper of the season accolade and Emmanuel Nyirenda bagged best defender award. Supporters for the Nomads also earned recognition as the most disciplined.