By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The MK16.5 Million Central region Chipiku Premier division league final round started on Friday with one match between Support Battalion FC and Ngolowindo FC at Champion Stadium with the final result favoring the soldiers 3-1.
The Support Battalion Combat scored through Business Gwazantini and Steve Chitambali (a brace) to start the round on a high note while Blessings Gwaza scored for Ngolowindo FC.
CRFA has set four fascinating fixtures for day two of the league with Villa FC expected to lock horns with Namitete Zitha FC from Lilongwe at Aubrey Dimba Stadium.
Head coach for Villa FC George Masito, says the team is geared to play against one of the best teams in the Central region in their opening match of the final round.
Masato said the team has prepared well for the journey as they have an ambition of earning promotion into the TNM Super League saying the team takes every game as a final.
“We have a youthful squad capable of performing wonders in the league. As Villa, we just seek for the fair play. We started the preliminary round on a low note as the players were new to the team but now they have jelled well and the support from those looking after the team also gives courage to the boys to continue working hard”, said Masito.
Martin Mthetho Mkamanga, Namitete Zitha FC Coach, is optimistic about starting the round of 12 on a high note while acknowledging Villa FC is also a good side with a youthful squad.
“As Zitha we have prepared well and determined to start the round with a victory over resilient Villa. They have a youthful side that plays good football. A win today at Dimba will boost morale in our camp as we embark on the TNM Superleague promotion journey. We have been defeating Villa in several times though in a tough way but I am upbeat we will win today”, Mkamanga said.
In the 2022 Chipiku Premier Division league edition Zitha FC defeated Villa home and away.
The home match ended 2-1 to Zitha before they claimed a 3-1 victory away in Mchinji in the return match.
The dual played a preseason match in 2023 where Zitha won 3-2.
The twelve teams will battle for supremacy in round robin as they are expected to play each other home and away.
The team that will accumulate more points at the end of the season will be crowned champions and earn a Super League promotion.
Other fixtures on day two; Kamuzu Barracks Reserve FC up against Kawinga FC at Mbabzi ground, Silver Strikers Reserve FC lock horns with Airborne Rangers FC at Bunda ground.
Mbabzi United FC host LUANAR FC at Kamuzu Barracks ground in another thrilling match while Dedza Stadium hosts Mangoni Warriors FC against Leyman Panthers FC from area 49 in the capital, Lilongwe.
