Civil, Silver in bragging rights battle
All roads in Lilongwe will this afternoon lead to Bingu National Stadium to witness the capital city’s most anticipated derby between rivals Silver Strikers and Civil Service United.
The Bankers go into this TNM Super League match as favourites as they are determined to reclaim the top position after they were displaced by FCB Nyasa Bullets who beat Karonga United 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre yesterday.
The last time the two sides clashed in 2022 TNM Super League second round, it ended in a one-all stalemate.
Both scored from the spot kick with Bashir Maunde converting for Civil while Chawanangwa Kaonga did it for the Bankers.
It was also the same when the two sides faced-off in the first round when it ended one-all and the goals also came from penalties.
Kaonga again scored from the spot while Civil converted theirs through Patrick Phiri.
But this afternoon’s tie is different in many ways.
This time both sides have new coaches.
McDonald Yobe is now assigned to Silver Reserves while Franco Ndawa left Civil Service United.
Silver have been impressive under new coach Pieter de Jongh, who has only lost once to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the league while 11th-placed Civil are now under Oscar Kaunda.
But the Dutch tactician said he anticipates a tough match.
He said: “A derby is an exciting match which can bring out unpredictable results.
“We respect our rivals and we expect a good match and fans will watch good football. However, we need victory,” he said.
Kaunda, who is smarting from a 1-0 loss to Bangwe All Stars in the FDH Bank Cup and 2-1 loss to Chitipa United, said they need to turn around the team’s fortunes.
But despite Civil’s recent poor form, derbies between the two capital city giants can be unpredictable.
Civil want to bag full points to salvage some pride while Silver are also motivated as they target to return to the top of the table.
The Bankers are third with 28 points while Bullets tie with Chitipa United on 29 points, but have a better goal difference.
