Epac, Tigers start Standard Bank tourney
previous encounter with Bullets
Epac FC and Azam Tigers start the eighth edition of the Standard Bank Knockout Cup this afternoon.
The two sides clash in the first preliminary round match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to determine the team that will face Kamuzu Barracks in the quarter-finals at the weekend.
Tigers, winners of the competition in 2009, are hoping to use home ground advantage to move forward, while Epac want to shake-off the unenviable tag as mere journeymen by winning their first-ever major cup.
The two teams are among the four whose participation was determined through voting by fans and Standard Bank customers. Other teams are Big Bullets and Airborne Rangers.
Tigers technical adviser Robin Alufandika said the game provides his team a chance to repay those who voted for them by coming out triumphant.
“Our mission is to win this cup. Considering the good squad that we have assembled this season, we can make it,” said Alufandika.
However, Kau-Kau have been dealt a blow as Under-20 coach Ernest Mtawali has said none of his charges will be released for the games.
Four Tigers players namely Boston Kabango, Stanley Sanudi, Isaac Kaliati and Wongani Kuchisanja are in camp ahead of Saturday’s 2015 Africa Youth Championship qualifier against Zambia.
“The game is just three days away and there is a risk of suffering injuries. We don’t want to take chances,” said Mtawali.
But Alufandika said they plead with Mtawali to release the quartet.
Nevertheless, Tigers will bank their hopes on Peter Katsonga and Frazer Menyani upfront while James Sangala will provide the shield in defence.
Epac spokesperson Roy Mdechi said apart from their key forward Jaffalie Chande, who is linked with a move to Silver Strikers, they have a full house for the match.
