Eagles not taking chances against Evirom

Blue Eagles might on paper seem favourites to make the Carlsberg Cup final, but the Nankhaka cops are not taking chances against Premier Division side, Evirom.

The two meet tomorrow in the semi-final at Civo Stadium with Escom United dating Kabwafu FC in Mzuzu on the same day.

Eagles coach Derklerk Msakakuona on Thursday said his charges would give Evirom utmost respect.

“At this stage, anything can happen. It could do us a favour going into this match thinking it is still a 50-50 affair. We must learn from the shock defeats which small teams pulled in this cup,” said Msakakuona.

Karonga Vendors dismissed Blantyre United from the cup with Big Bullets biting the dust under the test of Super Eagles hence Msakauona’s fear.

“We are at this stage due to hard work and the desire to always be ahead and the rest should follow us. We always aim higher,” said the cool coach.

Eagles dumped out Mighty Wanderers then Red Lions to book a semi-final berth with Evirom.

SRFL chairperson Trouble Kalua has since saluted Evirom, saying their feat “confirm that given a chance, our teams can compete with the best in the last.”

Meanwhile, Msakakuona has said there is some way to go before Flames revelation, John ‘CJ’ Banda returns to action at Blue Eagles.

“He is still under physiotherapy. It looks like it might take time even before he begins light training. I doubt if he will play again this season. We wish him a quick recovery,” he said when asked about Banda’s recovery.

The right-winger could not be reached for an update, but he posted on his Facebook wall yesterday that he would watch the training for Eagles.

Banda, who was finding his feet in the Flames, suffered a knee injury in August. He was hopeful of a return by this month.