Jomo Osman: FDH Bank Cup Progress Crucial as Bangwe Eye TNM Super League Comeback

Bangwe All Stars owner Isaac Jomo Osman says the team’s solid run in the FDH Bank Cup is a big step forward as they aim for promotion to the elite TNM Super League.

Osman believes their current form has given them a chance to test themselves against top-tier teams — valuable experience ahead of the FDH Bank Cup national phase.

“Our goal — Bangwe’s goal — is to be back in the Super League. So, playing in the FDH Bank Cup national stage, where we will be up against some of the country’s best sides, is perfect preparation. It gives us a taste of real competition. These are the very teams we will face if we earn promotion to the TNM Super League, so it is exciting and encouraging to see how we stack up against them,” he explained.

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He made these remarks on Thursday, July 17, at Kamuzu Stadium after Bangwe edged Ndirande United 2-1 in the second round of the FDH Bank Cup knockout stage.

However, he did not hide the fact that his team failed to play good football due to the pressure they faced from their opponents.

“We did not play well, and it was a tough game because of pressure. We played without direction and organization. I am not impressed with the way we played, but we will go back to the drawing board and work on the shortfalls. Today was even more difficult because we played them [Ndirande] two weeks ago in the National Division League and we beat them 3-1,” added Osman.

On the losing end, Ndirande United’s coach Robert Daudi admitted defeat, blaming missed chances and defensive lapses.

Bangwe, previously owned by Mphatso Jika, got relegated from the TNM Super League in the 2024 season and is now aiming to bounce back into the top-flight league. They are currently playing in the newly introduced National Division League under the leadership of Osman, who managed to secure a sponsorship deal worth K80 million with AYH Motors.

“We were wasteful in front of goal,” Daudi admitted. “We were pushing hard, but our defenders and goalkeeper just weren’t communicating, and that led to the goal that cost us the match. Still, we will regroup and push in the upcoming competitions.”

In another match at the same venue, Thondwe thrashed Nyambadwe 3-1, while FOMO were knocked out by The Boys after a dramatic 1-1 draw in regulation time, losing 4-3 on penalties at the Mulanje Park Stadium.

(Pictures courtesy of Sam Chikwata of CEE Jay Photography)