Silver, Nomads clash in Standard Bank knockout final

From the finalists to the sponsors, Standard Bank (Malawi), the dominant colour is blue. Thus, it is a blue affair this afternoon as Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers clash in the Standard Bank Knockout Trophy finale at Silver Stadium.

Coincidentally, Silver are fighting for a trophy they won in 2007 after beating Escom United at Kamuzu Stadium.

If one trusts in fate, then the coincidence could be interpreted as a good omen for Silver. But in football many factors come into play and nothing is left for the gods to decide.

Apart form the K7 million (about $23 334) prize, the most interesting thing in today’s match is just how Silver’s new coach Franco Ndawa will perform against his former team.

TNM Super League statistics give Silver an upper hand as they beat Wanderers 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in the first round. Then, the Nomads were under Ndawa.

In an interview this week, Ndawa insisted that Silver will lift the Standard Bank trophy.

“I have a backroom of good technical people and we have a good squad with great talent. The atmosphere is great and everyone knows how important it is to win this trophy. We are prepared for the game,” he said.

Ndawa has three assistants in Itai Nundwe, Hellings Mwakasungula and Sibusiso Padambo, who are basking in the glory of winning the league in their first assignment last season.

Last time the Bankers reached a cup final was in 2010, when they lost the Presidential Cup to Civo United.

Silver executive members are also caught up in victory mood ahead of the clash today.

“We have dominated the league in the last three years, but cup victories have been eluding us, so we cannot afford to lose on Saturday,” said the club’s treasurer Chimwemwe Nkhwimba.

The battle will be in the midfield where Joseph Kamwendo, Gerald Phiri Jnr and Gerald Chimbaka for Wanderers will fight for mastery against Silver’s Frank Banda, Harvey Mkacha and Peter Pindani.

Nomads, just like Moyale Barracks, have dominated domestic competitions as a season hardly passes without grabbing some silverware.

The Nomads also won the inaugural Standard Bank Cup. They go into the match this afternoon with the required cup experience to counter Silver. Last season, they beat Mafco to lift the Presidential Cup.

Wanderers coach Felix Fosco is also upbeat about winning the trophy for the second time.

“I have faith in my players to beat Silver at their home ground. They are a good team, no doubt about that, but we are equally good,” said Fosco.

Wanderers team manager Chiyembekezo Zidana also expressed optimism of carrying the day.

“The mood prevailing in the team is that of unity of purpose. Everyone, from the supporters to the players are in triumphant mood. The win against Big Bullets last weekend injected a new feeling. We will beat Silver.”

Wanderers, Moyale, Tigers and Silver have each won the trophy once since its inception.

Whichever team carries the day today (Saturday) will make history.