BB, Epac cap up Standard Bank lively weekend

Three quarter-final second leg showdowns coupled with the Joy of Jazz concert by South African songbird Zahara–all courtesy of Standard Bank—it doesn’t get any better does it?

And after hosting three big matches in Lilongwe and Balaka and, above all, the mother of all jazz concerts at the Bingu International Conference Centre on Saturday, the Standard Bank romp moves to Silver Stadium this Sunday afternoon.

The excitement moves further forward with the last of the Standard Bank Knock-Out Cup quarter-final second leg when Epac host crowd pullers Big Bullets—the setting is Silver Stadium in the capital city.

After being thrilled by Zahara’s golden voice, the fun moves on to Area 47 where wonderkid Gabadinho Mhango for Bullets and Mussa Manyenje for Epac are expected to epitomise this contest in the battle for the last semi-final spot.

And maybe, just maybe, Zahara would do well to take time off and be thrilled by Gabadinho’s fancy footwork that will remind her of the superdisk and the shibobo magic in Mzansi.

Bullets have a spring in their step going into this afternoon’s contest having won the first leg 1-0, but football is a capricious sport in which the mood can swing any time.

Even their coach Eddingtone Ng’onamo was cautious and dismissed suggestions that his side is already in the comfort zone.

“Of course we have a slight advantage, but that does not really count because anything can happen tomorrow.

“Epac will be playing at home and that means they will have an advantage and we need to be very careful. However, having said that we are determined to do well and qualify for the semi-finals,” said Ng’onamo.

Apart from Gabadinho, the Peoples Team will bank their hopes on veteran forward Heston Munthali who keeps on getting better like vintage wine. The Bullets will also be welcoming back key forward Diverson Mlozi from a two-match suspension.

Epac coach Abbas Makawa said his charges are determined to upset the tables.

“We’re ready and we are looking forward to the game with a degree of confidence,” said Makawa.

Apart from Manyenje, Epac’s other potential match winner is revitalised Ishmail Thindwa.