Wanderers Reserves win Nyasa Capital Finance Cup

Wanderers Reserves have lifted the Nyasa Capital Finance Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Cup following a 3-1 victory over hosts Ntaja United in the final on Sunday at Michongwe ground in Machinga.

The victory has saved the face of the Nomads family as this is the only silverware in the 2023 season across Wanderers’ four teams, namely the senior team, the reserve, the youth and the Wanderers Women’s.

On Sunday, Wallace Adam, Mayamiko Makasu and substitute Stain Matengeregoals ensured the Nomads family ended the year 2023 with something to present to their president Thomson Mpinganjira.

Moses Mtende scored Ntaja’s consolation goal.

Wanderers Reserves coach Bob Mpinganjira, whose side received K1.6 million prize money, said: “This is really a big relief and we are very happy with the victory. However, it was not an easy ride. It was a very difficult game, especially in the first half, but I thank the boys for their great fighting spirit and determination.”

He said they hope to keep the fire burning next Sunday as they face Karonga Rovers in the King Kabvina Trophy final in Mponela, Dowa.

Ntaja coach Chisomo ‘Chacho’ Kamlanje attributed their defeat to pressure and inexperience as it was the first time for his charges to play in the Nyasa Capital Finance Cup final.

Previous champions FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserves settled for the third position after beating Mangochi United 3-0 in a third-placed match. Their striker Chrispin Mapemba won the golden boot with five goals.

Nyasa Capital Finance chief executive officer Caroline Haiya, whose company has been bankrolling the annual competition for the past three years, said they will continue supporting the sport.

SRFA chairperson Raphael Humba thanked the sponsors for promising continued support while Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya said he was impressed with the performance of the teams.

Haiya said: “The only way we can improve the standard of our football is to focus on grassroots and I am impressed with what I have seen on the ground through this competition.”