All set for FMB U-20 Regional finals

The regional finals of FMB Under-20 Football League will take place this Saturday following the completion of district encounters last weekend.

According to National Youth Football Association (NYFA) treasurer Tiyenkhu Chavula, Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe, Blantyre will host Southern Region finals while Dedza Stadium and Nkhata-bay Community ground will be places to be in the Central and Northern regions, respectively.

“The competition will get hotter this weekend as we identify regional representatives at the national finals in Mzuzu on November 26. South and Centre will produce one ambassador each while the North will have two teams for being national finals’ hosts,” he said.

In the South, battle will be among Zomba district champions Red Lions Youth, Mbudye Academy (Mangochi) and hosts Ntopwa Super Boys (Blantyre).  Zomba and Blantyre concluded their games on Sunday when Red Lions Youth beat Green Tours 4-0 and Ntopwa triumphed 2-1 over Griffin Young Stars.

In the Centre, Dedza champions Soccer Saints will fight for the national finals’ slot against their Lilongwe and Mchinji counterparts Silver Strikers Youth and Mukweza FC, respectively.

In the North, Karonga champions Malema FC, Mzuzu’s Fish Eagles and Nkhata-bay’s Young Heroes will tussle at Nkhatabay Community ground for the remaining two places.

Red Lions Youth assistant coach Mischeck Nkhambule said they are determined to excel during the regional play-offs and make their first entry into the national finals.

Ntopwa coach Enos Chatama also said his team will do their best this weekend to qualify for the ultimate finals.

Speaking after Zomba district games at Zomba Community Centre ground, FMB Zomba branch manager Alison Amin hailed the spirit of discipline among the participating teams throughout the season.  n