Ndawa avoids revenge talk as Silver host Lions

Coach Frank ‘Franco’ Ndawa has, since switching from Mighty Wanderers to Silver Strikers, endured the agony of being dumped out of two cups by his former employers.

He faces Red Lions Sunday in a TNM Super League clash, barely a week after the Zomba-based soldiers beat Silver 2-0 to knock them out of the Carlsberg Cup.

Although Silver were booted out of the Standard Bank Knockout Trophy by Wanderers last month, Ndawa is not talking about avenging the loss on Sunday at Silver Stadium. 

“My former teams have been doing their homework on me, but I just mind my job and leave the rest to God. Football is very unpredictable,” said Ndawa on Wednesday.

The two cups’ exits have left Ndawa with only the Super League title defence to salvage his pride.

Yet Ndawa ruled out pressure: “Not me. I do not work under pressure. I just do my job. I am not even thinking about revenge.”

The Bankers lead the standings on 34 points from 16 games, two ahead of the Lions who face Epac this Saturday. Silver have an awe-inspiring attack led by Rodrick Gonani, who hardly leaves the pitch without scoring.

No wonder, he has scored eight so far. But the Lions are no mean challenge. They boast of discipline on and off the pitch.

Either playing away or at home, Red Lions have, even with their release of some key players such as Dan Katunga, shown relative consistency under Collins Nkuna.

They have Benesi Kaisi at the back to rely on and Pritchard Mwansa in midfield.