It’s that day again when attention of football fans will shift to Area 47, Lilongwe, where Silver Strikers will be hosting Civil Service United at Silver Stadium in the TNM super league.
The fixture is not only about getting additional points, but a duel for bragging rights of the capital city as to which is the best team.
Over the years this fixture has proved to be a crowd puller.
Hosts Silver Strikers will be boosted by the home support but coach Peter Mgangira acknowledged it will be a tough match.
“We expect our supporters to come so that they can give us the support, that’s the motivation that the players need. We’re expecting a very good, tough, but exciting game. Being a derby, we are expecting a very tough match. But the good thing is that we are playing at home,” he said.
In the past two games Silver have registered a 4-1 win against Songwe Border and 1-1 draw against Mighty Wanderers.
Mgangira has experienced the butterflies in the stomach as player with Silver Strikers in these derbies.
“I’ve been involved for a long time as a player, but now as a coach, the excitement is there. It’s always a pleasure to be involved in these kinds of games.
Most of the players know each other; they come from the same locations, and it’s just a matter of who wants it more and who wants to dominate. In a derby it doesn’t matter what form both teams are in. It’s always about who wants to be bigger. It’s always a pleasure to be involved in these kinds of games,” he added.
Civil Service United coach Abbas Makawa is unfazed at the prospect of facing a hostile crowd in Area 47.
“We are going to play our game. We have had good preparations. The response from the players during training has been encouraging and it shows they understand the importance of the game.
“Three points separate us on the log table, meaning a win will mean level with them. The game is also important because it is about Lilongwe City bragging rights. We are ready for the showdown,” he said.
Makawa’s side held the hosts to a goalless draw last season at the same venue.
