Silver sneak in
Silver Strikers will take part in the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup following Blue Eagles’ failure to confirm participation in the continental showpiece.
Initially, the Central Bankers were waiting in the wings as an alternative.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale yesterday confirmed that Eagles will not take part and that instead the offer has been extended to Silver.
He said: “At cutoff point on Monday, we had heard nothing from Eagles and so when we contacted Silver, who were on stand-by, they were game.
“They [Silver] have already started the registration process.”
Jangale said the Lilongwe-based side has until this Friday to submit the paperwork ahead of FAM First Instant Body meeting on Saturday.
Eagles were eligible for the tournament, having won 2019 Fisd Challenge Cup while Silver were an option by virtue of being 2019 Airtel Top 8 winners.
In an interview yesterday, Eagles chairperson Alexander Ngwala said they have decided not to join the tournament.
“We are not ready financially, because we did not apply for funding from our sponsors for the tournament,” he said.
On whether the team’s performance could be another reason, Ngwala said: “No, not at all. We have a good team.”
On his part, Silver chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali yesterday confirmed that they have submitted their application to join the tournament.
“We have already started the process and by close of business today [yesterday], we should submit the necessary preliminary documents to FAM,” he said.
Silver last participated in the tournament in 2018 when they were booted out in the preliminary round by Gabonese side AO CMS in post-match penalties.
TNM Super League champions Nyasa Bullets already confirmed participation in the CAF Champions League by paying the $300 (about K243 000) participation fee and starting the player registration process. Jangale said the final determination on the two teams’ eligibility will be made by the FAM First Instant Body upon going through their club licensing documentation.
