National Sports

Ntopwa finally qualify for FMB U-20 national finals

 

After a seven-year wait for searching for a national final berth in the FMB Under-20 Football League, Ntopwa Super Boys got it on Saturday during the Southern Region play-offs at Mpira ground in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.

The Blantyre District champions beat Mbudye Academy of Mangochi 3-2 then eased past Zomba champions Red Lions Youth 1-0 to book their ticket into the national finals scheduled for Mzuzu Stadium on November 26.

Ntopwa captain Magaleta lifts trophy as Chalamanda (R), Mataka (L), Ntanthiko (2ndR) and other officials look on
Ntopwa captain Magaleta lifts trophy as Chalamanda (R), Mataka (L), Ntanthiko (2ndR) and other officials look on

In the first match, Marko Matthews scored a brace for the Bangwe Township-based side before their captain Mphatso Magaleta sealed the victory. Wilson Jumbe also hit a brace for Mbudye. In the second match, Magaleta’s lone strike was enough to catapult Ntopwa into the national finals.

Mbudye finished as runners-up after confining Red Lions Youth to a 1-0 defeat through Arnold Kadzuwa’s goal.

“I thank my boys for putting up a gallant fight during the play-offs. We have been hunting for a national finals slot for seven years and I am happy to have finally made it. Now, our focus is on doing our best to bring the national glory to Blantyre,” said Ntopwa team manager and owner Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman.

Blantyre City mayor Noel Chalamanda was the guest of honour. He presented the Southern Region trophy to Ntopwa and wished them  success at the national finals.

The regional encounters were also used as a platform for selection of national youth players ahead of Cosafa Youth Championship in South Africa next month.

Ntopwa has contributed seven players, namely Mathews, Magaleta, Dalitso Adam, Francis Makata, Kondwani Saizi, Chimwemwe Kachigong’o and Happy Masamba. From Mbudye, the onus is on Kadzuwa, Saidi Edward, William Hassan, Kazembe Mdelemani and Bester Lijenda.  Red Lions Youth’s Laurent Kububa, Bonwell Matemba, William Msowoya and Brown Gondwe complete the list.

During the Northern Region finals at Mkondezi in Nkhata Bay, Malema FC from Karonga beat hosts Young Heroes 1-0.  Malema will represent the North alongside Mzuzu City champions Fish Eagles. The North will have two representatives at the national finals by virtue of being the hosts.

FMB head of marketing Sylvia Mataka said the bank is impressed with the progress the competition has made, especially on curbing age-cheating and contributing players to national teams.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive member Daudi Ntanthiko said they are delighted with the talent FMB Under-20 League is producing. n

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