All set to determine Standard Bank finalists
The battle lines have been drawn and the two teams that will move forward to the Standard Bank Knockout Cup final will be determined this weekend from showdowns slated for Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
This afternoon, Mighty Wanderers host Kamuzu Barracks (KB) in their quest to defend the trophy and the K8 million (US$21, 621) ultimate prize. Tomorrow, it will be the big one—the revival of the capital city rivalry between Silver Strikers and fallen giants Civo United.
Apart from being the defending champions, Nomads are the only surviving team from the Southern Region while KB, Silver and Civo are from the capital.
It is a confirmation that the balance of power is shifting to the Central Region and military camps in particular as both the Presidential and Carlsberg cups were won by Mafco and KB respectively.
Until last week, Nomads went seven games without a win, let alone scoring, but they hauled themselves out of the mire when they beat Red Lions 2-0.
However, Nomads coach Stuart Mbolembole exercised caution yesterday, insisting that their win over the Lions does not mean they have turned the corner.
“I have told my players that we need to realise where we are coming from and engage an extra gear,” said Mbolembole.
Captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Mike Kaziputa, Innocent ‘Rooney’ Dzimbiri, Cuthbert Sineta, Kondwani ‘Scholes’ Kumwenda, Kondwani Lufeyo, Abraham Kamwendo and Jacob Ngwira are the familiar names that carry the hopes for the Lali Lubani Road outfit
KB thumped Wanderers 3-0 in the first-round before settling for a goalless draw in the second-round. KB coach Billy Phambala also predicted a tough encounter.
“They will definitely approach the game seriously, but we are ready for them,” said Phambala.
KB will look up to their skipper Dave Banda, lanky forward Harvey Nkacha, Diouf Simaone, Kelvin Malikebu, Joel Chipofya and Mustafa Salimu.
Charges are K2 000 VIP and K500 open stands.
