Silver, Bangwe in Castel Cup semis’ bash

The last time Silver Strikers played Bangwe All Stars was in a TNM Super League match in August this year at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre where the Central Bankers were left battered and bruised.

They returned to the capital city with the tails between their legs after a 3-2 loss following the rookies’ first half blitz which left the Reserve Bank-sponsored outfit gasping for air as the rookies turned on a stellar show that left the fans asking for more.

Four months down the line, the two teams clash again at the same venue, but this time in the first semi-final of the K320 million Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup.

Silver still have bitter memories of that contest, as midfielder Robert Saizi provided the final flourish with virtually the last kick of the game and trimmed the Area 47-based side to size.

And today the Central Bankers will be out to settle the scores.

It won’t be easy though as the predominantly youthful Bangwe Township-based side has been awesome, finishing sixth in their first season.

The likes of Saizi, Yamikani Mologeni, Emmanuel Savieli and Friday Osagi have all been a marvel to watch.

In an interview yesterday, Bangwe All Stars assistant coach Joseph Kamwendo said they are raring to go.

“We are more than ready. This is the moment. The boys are in the mood and they can’t wait. We have set our eyes on reaching the final, nothing less,” he said.

On the other hand, Silver coach Pieter de Jongh said it is a match that could go either way.

He said: “It’s 50-50 my friend, but we are ready. This will be a different game. We beat them [4-1] in the first round of the league and they won in the second round.

“I just want to urge the match official to ensure fair play.”

Midfield workhorse Chimwemwe Idana, will as usual orchestrate the Central Bankers moves with Duncan Nyoni, Chikondi Kamanga and Maxwell Paipi keeping the supply lines open for forwards George Chaomba and Patrick Macheso.

The winner of today’s encounter will face either FCB Nyasa Bullets or Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who clash in the other semi-final tomorrow at the same venue.

At stake is the K50 million winner’s stake.