Newly promoted TNM Super League team Dwangwa United coach McDonald Mtetemera believes the squad he has assembled is capable of not only fighting off relegation in the top-flight league, but also effectively competing for the title.
Mtetemera said yesterday that they would like to follow in the footsteps of English Premier League (EPL) side Leicester City, who were considered underdogs until now when they are close to winning the title.
The former Prison United coach said he is confident of an effective title hunt in the Super League, despite having no big name signings, except for former Be Forward Wanderers star Omega Mhone in his 30-player squad,
He said beating established Super League teams Mafco 3-0 and Moyale Barracks 2-0 during training games last weekend is enough proof of their larger-than-life ambitions.
“I am satisfied with my squad. The players are doing exactly what I want and I cannot wait to see how we will perform in the first game. Just like Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, I have told my boys that success in football is not all about big names but hard-work and determination,” said Mtetemera.
“We are both mentally and physically strong to take on the so-called big teams in the local football arena and to us, every opponent is beatable.”
The team’s administrator Dave Mwandira said their vision is not only to win the title but also help their unknown players make names in the top-flight league.
“Most of our players have graduated from the Chipiku Premier Division League and we would like to expose their talent on a bigger platform,” he said.
The team has signed 13 players—seven from Super League teams and six from lower division teams.
Most of them were signed on free transfer or released by their previous clubs.
Dwangwa have Dave Chadewa, Dennis Katchire and Gilbert Nkhokwe from Airborne Rangers; Josophat Kwalira and Chifundo Thawiha from Civo United, Innocent Makalani from Dedza Young Soccer Saints and Onesmo Mbendera from Azam Tigers.
Other new players are Benson Manyozo, Thom Kamanga and Ephraim Nkhwazi who played for Blantyre United last season.
Zikani Kasambala and Daniel Kamanga have joined the team from Rumphi Medicals and Black Pool, respectively.
Dwangwa mark their return to Super League after a five year absence with a home fixture against Blue Eagles at Chitowe Stadium on Sunday. n
