By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The National phase qualifiers for the prestigious MK320 million Castel Challenge Cup in the Central region kick off this afternoon as Namitete Zitha FC faces Kawinga FC at Nankhaka Stadium in the capital, Lilongwe.
Zitha Football Club from Namitete, the defending champions of the Nyasa Capital Cup, have been in excellent form in cup games and are determined to knock out Kawinga FC to secure a spot in the national phase of the cup.
Zitha’s head coach Martin Mkamanga said they engaged in extra gear in their preparations considering that it is a cup game.
“This is a cup game you lose you’re out so we have prepared well for the tussle and I am upbeat that after regulation time we will be victors.
Meeting Kawinga who is enjoying good form in the league encourages us to work hard”,
“We have a strong track record in cup competitions and boast the highest goal tally in the Castel region, while also maintaining a solid defense.
“This gives us hope that we can excel in this tournament. As Zitha, we aim to go far in the cup, potentially surpassing our achievements in the FDH Bank Cup,” added Mkamanga.
On the other side, Kawinga FC’s coach, Harry Saidi, cautioned his players against complacency, saying, “We’ve been performing well in the league, which makes every team we face come at us with intensity.
“I’ve urged my players not to approach this game casually but with caution. We aim to settle it within regulation time, as penalty shootouts are always a gamble.”
In their journey to this stage, Kawinga FC secured a 4-3 victory against Flying Soldiers from Parachute Battalion Airborne Rangers FC, while Namitete Zitha FC comfortably defeated Santhe ADMARC FC 2-0 and Chatoloma ADMARC FC 4-1, both hailing from Kasungu.
As the battle for supremacy unfolds at Nankhaka Stadium, Silver Strikers Reserve FC will also lock horns with Ngolowindo FC at Champion Stadium, promising another thrilling encounter.
Additional fixtures for the Central region include Mitundu Strikers FC against Spearhead on September 9, 2023, at Mbabvi ground.
Mtengenji Monaco will entertain Dedza Young Soccer FC at Kamuzu Barracks ground, while Villa FC from Mchinji Boma will face Leyman Panthers FC from area 49 at Aubrey Dimba Stadium on the same day.
The final fixture in the region will be played on 10th September involving Chisomo Academy FC and Mangoni Warriors FC at Champion Stadium.
Out of the 12 teams competing, only five will qualify for the national phase of the Cup.
Meanwhile, the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) has already produced its representatives, namely Kadona Stars FC, Ekwendeni United FC, Luviri FC, Raiply FC, Iponga, and Khuyu Cobras/Chipolopolo FC.
