Zomba’s Carlsberg ‘mission possible’
Call it one person against the world. Liken it to the biblical David versus Goliath contest, but today’s 2014 Carlsberg Cup semi-final contest between minnows Zomba United and holders Kamuzu Barracks (KB) at Kamuzu Stadium has a unique script.
On paper, it is two teams meeting, but in reality, it is one self-sacrificing Noel Gobede, who sponsors, chairs and coaches Zomba United, up against the defending champions KB from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Lilongwe headquarters.
Bring into the picture that United’s campaign in the Premier Division, a tier below the Super League where KB play, then Gobede’s case reads like a denouement of a short story. United are the only surviving lower league side in the cup.
“You should expect a big thing on Sunday when a Premier Division side qualifies for the final. I prefer to work alone as chairperson and coach. I want to understand players’ psychology so that when I hire a coach, I should have a clear picture of what it takes,” explained the FAM C Licence holder Gobede.
When not drilling the side that was relegated from the Super League in 2009, Gobede works as director at UDK Bus Company in the old capital city.
“I sponsor the team from a personal bank account. We have a team manager whereas my relatives help me with accounts. It is expensive meeting players’ allowances and transport, but I will recover the money when we win the cup. Am I joking? I do not joke,” challenged Gobede.
Having booted out Blue Eagles (3-1), Blantyre United (5-3 on post-match penalties) and Support Battalion, from the Premier Division, (2-1), it would be foolish of KB to think Gobede is just bluffing, Zomba-based football reporter and administrator Joy Kakhona observed.
“Zomba United have a good goalkeeper in Francis Mwambo. Their strength is teamwork. They have a youthful side balanced with experienced Charles Kalaile and Waddo Ching’oma in midfield. Then they have a deadly striking force of Precious Msosa [Under-20 member] and Patrick Luhanga,” warned Kakhona.
Luhanga is a familiar face to KB’s attacker Harvey Nkacha, who has admitted that they expect a windy and long dance on the park against the minnows, who finished third last season in the Premier Division.
Nkacha can partner either Kelvin Hang’anda or Manase Chiyesa in attack, but World Nkuliwa remains an injury doubt whereas Dave Banda is out for other Army duties. KB dumped out Dedza Young Soccer to qualify for the final.
“Nothing is certain for us. To get this far, Zomba are good as they booted out bigger teams. For us, can we afford to lose this match? There is just too much at stake for us. There are Army promotions, money and history at stake. We want to become the first side to defend the cup,” explained Nkacha. The battle is on.
