Standard Bank semis to be played in Lilongwe

Silver Stadium in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, will this weekend host two Standard Bank Knockout Trophy semi-finals.

Silver Strikers will play Civo United on Saturday whereas Big Bullets will play Mighty Wanderers on Sunday, the competition’s organising committee vice-chairperson, James Mwenda, confirmed.

“After the closure of Kamuzu Stadium and with renovations going on at Civo Stadium, the only suitable venue in Lilongwe is Silver Stadium,” said Mwenda.

He also disclosed that Lilongwe will host the tournament’s final on October 8.

In an interview recently, Big Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire said his club was appealing to the organising committee to consider shifting the game to next week because their players are tired.

However, a senior FAM official who asked not to be named, said the reason clubs are required to register 25 players is because of such a situation Bullets are in.

“This is a lame excuse. Even in the English League teams stick to the calendar, it does not matter how many players are injured or fatigued,” said the  official.