Non-leaguers muse Fisd Cup quarter-final dreams

Three non-league outfits  Tiakalulu, Dululu and Rumphi Pirates will this afternoon battle for two Fisd Challenge Cup remaining quarterfinal slots.

Tiakalulu will host Dululu at Nankhaka in Lilongwe whereas Masters Security Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Division One side Nsanama host Rumphi Pirates at Balaka Stadium.

Five TNM Super League sides Silver Strikers, Be Forward Wanderers, Blue Eagles, Kamuzu Barracks and Dwangwa United already qualified for the last-eight  few days ago alongside Simama Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) Premier League team Zolozolo United.

“We cannot afford to miss an opportunity of getting into this crucial stage and probably battle for the ultimate glory against top-flight league sides. Winning against Dululu this Saturday will set us on the right path to turning our wonderful dream into reality,” said Tiakalulu coach Africano Phiri.

But Dululu’s technical adviser Jones Napolo, whose side normally plays in Nchalo Sugar Estate competitions in Chikwawa, said they will not let Tiakalulu stand in their way.

“Our mission is to prove that despite not playing in any mainstream league, we have skills that are capable of knocking down giants. Therefore, Tiakalulu should brace themselves for torrid time on the pitch because they will be our bridge to the quarter-finals,” Napolo said.

According to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions manager Gomezgani Zakazaka, the winner between Tiakalulu and Dululu will take on Blue Eagles in the quarter-finals next weekend.

“Winners in the Nsanama-versus-Rumphi match will be up against Kamuzu Barracks while Silver and Wanderers will battle it out against Dwangwa and Zolozolo, respectively,” he said.

Fisd Cup Challenge is competed among TNM Super League teams and district Presidential Cup champions.n