Mkolongo to prove point to Silver
When TNM Super League custodians Silver Strikers descend to the Lower Shire today, they should expect a rude welcome from their former employee Thom Mkolongo, who now coaches Chikwawa United.
Mkolongo, a model of courtesy as usual, refused to use the word revenge against his former employers ahead of this first-round meeting at Kalulu Stadium.
“It is not a revenge game, but I will show them what I am capable of doing,” he said.
Since taking over from Gerald Phiri, Mkolongo has not lost at home where they beat Red Lions 1-0 and held Big Bullets 1-1.
On the road, Chikwawa have under Mkolongo lost 3-0 to Mighty Wanderers, then beat Blantyre United 2-1 last Sunday.
The rookies’ top scorer Ranken Mwale’s power, pace and bullying epitomises their fighting spirit. But Lucky Malata will surely be up to the task in the visitors’ defence.
At the back, stout Lucius Makwawa is tough and rough whereas goalkeeper Peter Munthali, who had trials at Silver a few years ago but could not sign due to an injury, is difficult to beat between the posts.
In total, Mkolongo has presided over four games of two wins, a draw and a loss, a record that has the rookies crawling up from the foot of the 15-member table to 12th on seven points from 11 games, two points ahead of the 13th positioned Silver who have five points from eight matches.
