Wanderers former players and a veterans select from other Super League teams, predominantly Bullets, will curtain-raise Saturday’s friendly game involving the Nomads and Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium as part of Wanderers’ 50th anniversary celebrations.
Even after calling it time on their careers way back, there is still no love lost between the rivals’ veterans with Bullets legends coach Dan Mbebuwa vowing to sink the Nomads.
“I have watched my boys train with various social teams before we regroup today (Wednesday) at the Upper Stadium and I can assure you that Wanderers’ veterans will be in for a shock of their football retirement,” said Mbebuwa whose Kings Marketing agency is organising Wanderers’ celebrations.
Mbebuwa promised to parade former stars such as John Phiri, Clement Mandala, Chikondi ‘Bengo’ Banda, Andrew ‘Aluki’ Chikhosi, Michael Nkuntha, Lawrence ‘Nene’ Mnenula, McDonald Yobe, Gilbert Chirwa and Ganizani Malunga.
The Nomads legends too, through chairperson and former player George Chamangwana, on Wednesday promised fireworks.
“There were former stars such as Dean Pinto, myself, Hannock Ng’oma, Jack Chamanganwa and others such as Walter Nyamilandu, if he is available, who would like to make our self-coached squad. We have brought the veterans to show the current generation the people who made Wanderers a giant,” said Chamangwana.
Wanderers’ celebrations will be held in the first week of July at Superior Hotel.
Meanwhile, the Nomads have hinted that Vice-President Khumbo Kachali will be the guest of honour at the launch of the celebrations at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
Wanderers administrative desk officer Richard Kambalame on Wednesday claimed the country’s veep has confirmed that he will attend the celebrations that will culminate in the friendly match against Red Lions.
“We are honoured that the Right Honourable Khumbo Kachali will be in attendance at this auspicious occasion,” said Kambalame.
Among other activities to mark the celebrations, there will be a cocktail at Sunbird Mount Soche later in the evening for guests.
“The celebrations will start with a carnival in the city of Blantyre where we will display some of the trophies we have won over the years as well as banners of our former sponsors MTL, Limbe Leaf Tobacco and Stansfield Motors (Yamaha),” said Kambalame.
He also said they have organised a live band show to be performed by local reggae kings Black Missionaries at their Lali Lubani Road clubhouse at Chichiri on Friday evening from 6.30pm.
“We are, therefore, urging the soccer fraternity and all fun-lovers to come and celebrate with us,” said Kambalame.
