David vs Goliath battles in Fisd Cup

History is full of David versus Goliath battles in which the underdog springs a surprise and sucker-punches the giant.

Such folktales inspire the weak that it is possible for them to overcome the mighty.

But it is not always the case that a minnow gets away with a victory against a giant.

So, this weekend, football enthusiasts will feast Fisd Challenge Cup quarter-finals with crossed fingers as minnows face giants.

Silver Strikers host Dwangwa United at Silver Stadium in a match the Bankers coach Lovemore Fazili hopes to utilise home ground advantage.

His counterpart, McDonald ‘Nginde’ Mtetemera, says he is aware that the underdog tag will have a huge bearing on today’s match results.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They are a big team and playing them at home gives them an added advantage. But we are ready for them,” he said.

At least in this battle, it is Super League sides fighting for the semi-final slot.

In another battle between a giant and a minnow, Super League side Blue Eagles host little-known Lilongwe-based lower league side Tiakalulu at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.

But Blue Eagles general manager Gabriel Chirwa said they have no luxury of undermining the Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS)-sponsored side.

“There are no underdogs in a cup game,” he said.

Ironically, Tiakalulu are coached by former Eagles’ goalkeeper Lyton Mangani who yesterday warned  the cops not to expect an easy game.

“We have had good preparations and my players are confident of pulling a surprise on Saturday [today],” he said.

The battle for the semi-final slots concludes tomorrow with Be Forward Wanderers hosting Zolozolo from Mzuzu at Kamuzu Stadium while Kamuzu Barracks and Machinga-based Nsanama clash at Civo Stadium.

Kamuzu Barracks team manager Francis Shaba said the match against Nsanama would be tricky since they have no idea of their opponents.

Meanwhile, Fisd brands manager Maxwell Phiri said they are impressed with level of competition this far.

“The most interesting thing is that the quarter-finals have three teams from the lower league. It’s even more interesting because these three team are each from the North, South and Central regions which makes us proud because our aim is to promote football from grassroots,” he said.