Pride at stake as Silver, KB clash in Fisd Cup semis
Pride is at stake as Silver Strikers host Kamuzu Barracks (KB) in the Fisd Challenge Cup semi-final at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe this afternoon.
Apart from earning the final berth, the winner of this last-four encounter will as well be declared superiors to the other considering that they have a balanced record from their last five meetings since the 2014 season.
They have so far drawn their last three TNM Super League while their other games ended with 2-0 wins for each side. As if that is not enough, the two sides also scraped through to Fisd Cup semi-finals with 1-0 victories over rookies Dwangwa United and Nsanama FC during the quarterfinals.
Aside from that, KB consider victory in today’s game as the right path to ending their three-year trophy drought since 2014 when they won the Carlsberg Cup.
The Bankers, who lost 4-5 to Be Forward Wanderers through post-match penalties in 2016 Carlsberg Cup final, are in pursuit for silverware having last won the Standard Bank Cup in 2014 as well.
“We have left no stone unturned in our bid to gain dominance over Kamuzu Barracks and earn a second cup final slot this year,” said Silver coach Lovemore Fazili.
The coach said he is happy that all his key players, including Thuso Paipi, Victor Limbani, Mathews Sibale and Duncan Nyoni are in good shape ahead of today’s battle.
He added that although Mozambique-based players Chawanangwa Kawonga and Green Harawa are returning to the club, he has confidence in the existing squad ahead of the Fisd Cup encounter.
On his part, KB mentor Michael Chemayere, whose side banks on players such as Dave Banda, Manase Chiyesa, Harvey Mkacha and Kelvin Hanganda, said they are armed for the battle.
“It has been a long time since we won a trophy and this is our only chance to relive those glorious days this year. We do not care who is standing in our way because we are hungry for success,” Chemayere said.
