Match officials for FDH Bank Cup semis revealed: Who will handle Blantyre Derby & Capital City Derby?

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has officially unveiled the list of match officials who will take charge of the highly anticipated FDH Bank Cup semifinal fixtures scheduled for this weekend. The two blockbuster encounters will see some of Malawi’s most experienced referees officiate crucial matches in Blantyre and Lilongwe, as four top teams battle for a place in the competition’s final.

The semifinals promise high-stakes drama as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets prepare to face their arch-rivals Mighty Wanderers in the Blantyre Derby, while Civil Service United will lock horns with Silver Strikers in the Capital City Derby. Both matches carry significant weight, particularly the Blantyre encounter, which comes just days after the Nomads delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Bullets in a league fixture, adding extra spice to an already fierce rivalry.

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David Chinoko Entrusted with Blantyre Derby Responsibility

In what has become a familiar appointment for big-match occasions, Mzuzu-based referee David Chinoko has been handed the responsibility of officiating the explosive Blantyre Derby between Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on Sunday. The match, set to take place in Blantyre, represents a crucial opportunity for both teams to reach the FDH Bank Cup final, and comes at a particularly sensitive time given Wanderers’ recent 3-0 league triumph over their cross-town rivals.

Chinoko’s appointment is no surprise given his extensive experience in handling high-profile matches throughout Malawian football. The veteran official has become a trusted figure for big occasions, having officiated numerous derbies and cup finals with distinction. His track record in managing the intense atmosphere and high emotions that characterize matches between these two giants makes him an ideal choice for this semifinal clash.

The Mzuzu official’s credentials for handling such a significant match are impeccable. Last season, Chinoko was the center referee when Bullets secured a 2-1 victory over Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium in a second-round league encounter. His ability to maintain control and make crucial decisions under pressure was evident throughout that contest, earning him continued trust from FAM’s referee appointment committee.

In December 2023, Chinoko once again found himself at the center of a Blantyre Derby when he took over officiating duties for the Castel Challenge Cup semifinal after Easter Zimba sustained an injury. That match went to penalties, with Bullets eventually prevailing at Kamuzu Stadium. His seamless transition into the high-pressure situation demonstrated his composure and readiness for big-match scenarios.

Perhaps most notably, Chinoko was entrusted with officiating last season’s FDH Bank Cup final, where Blue Eagles defeated FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw at Bingu National Stadium. Managing a cup final of such magnitude, which remained scoreless through regular time before the tension of penalties, showcased his ability to handle the most pressurized situations in Malawian football.

Beyond derby duties, Chinoko has also officiated other significant matches, including a league encounter between Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers in Blantyre last season. In October 2023, he took charge of the Airtel Top 8 Cup semifinal between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Civil Service United, further demonstrating his versatility in handling matches involving the country’s top clubs.

Chinoko’s reputation extends beyond Malawian borders. He recently served as the fourth official in a CAF Confederations Cup match between Jwaneng Galaxy and Zesco United, working alongside Easter Zimba (center referee), Clement Kanduku, and Lameck Phiri (assistant referees). This international exposure has undoubtedly enhanced his experience and confidence in handling domestic fixtures.

His consistency and professionalism throughout the 2024 season earned him recognition as the best fourth official for the TNM Super League, an accolade that underscores his attention to detail and understanding of the game from all officiating perspectives.

For Sunday’s crucial semifinal, Chinoko will be supported by a competent team of officials. Clement Kanduku and Samuel Fudzulani will serve as assistant referees, bringing their own experience to assist with offside decisions and other crucial calls. Mercy Kayira has been appointed as the fourth official, while Duncan Lengani will serve as the referee assessor, monitoring and evaluating the officiating team’s performance throughout the match.

Goldfrey Nkhakananga to Officiate Capital City Derby

In the other semifinal, celebrated referee Goldfrey Nkhakananga has been appointed to take charge of the Capital City Derby between Silver Strikers and Civil Service United. The match, which will take place in Lilongwe, represents another high-stakes encounter as both teams seek to secure their place in the FDH Bank Cup final.

Nkhakananga’s appointment reflects his standing as one of Malawi’s most respected and experienced match officials. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for handling both prestigious domestic fixtures and international assignments with authority and fairness, making him an obvious choice for a semifinal of this magnitude.

The referee’s credentials are impressive on both the local and continental stage. Last year, Nkhakananga was entrusted with officiating an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Togo and Liberia, working alongside Clement Kanduku. Being selected to officiate at such a high level demonstrates the confidence that CAF has in his abilities and his understanding of the game at the international level.

In June of last year, Nkhakananga was among the panel of referees selected for the Cosafa Cup, where he officiated several matches in the regional tournament. This exposure to different playing styles and competitive environments has only enhanced his ability to manage domestic fixtures with greater insight and composure.

Beyond these high-profile international assignments, Nkhakananga has regularly officiated major matches within the Malawian football calendar, consistently earning praise for his decision-making and match management skills. His experience in handling pressure situations and his ability to communicate effectively with players and coaching staff make him well-suited for the Capital City Derby encounter.

This year, Nkhakananga was in charge of the Airtel Top 8 Cup final between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and he was also in charge of the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal game between Bullets and Kamuzu Barracks.

For this semifinal fixture, Nkhakananga will be assisted by Sibusiso Sibande and Yohane Chiutika, who will serve as assistant referees. Rose Zimba has been appointed as the fourth official, while Martha Nyekanyeka will fulfill the role of match assessor, ensuring that the officiating standards meet the requirements of such a significant fixture.

Both semifinal matches carry enormous significance for the clubs involved. The FDH Bank Cup represents one of Malawian football’s most prestigious trophies, and reaching the final offers not only the chance for silverware but also bragging rights and momentum heading into the latter stages of the season.

For FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, the Blantyre Derby semifinal offers a chance for immediate redemption following their 3-0 league defeat to Mighty Wanderers just days earlier. The psychological impact of that loss could weigh heavily, but the cup competition provides a fresh opportunity to reset the narrative between these fierce rivals. Bullets will be determined to prove that the league result was an aberration and that they remain competitive against their cross-town nemesis.

Mighty Wanderers, meanwhile, will approach the match brimming with confidence after their comprehensive league victory. The Nomads will look to capitalize on their current momentum and psychological advantage, knowing that another victory over Bullets would not only secure a place in the cup final but also establish their superiority in the current season’s head-to-head battles.

In Lilongwe, Silver Strikers and Civil Service United will engage in their own battle for final qualification. Both teams have demonstrated quality throughout the season, and their semifinal clash promises tactical intrigue and competitive intensity. The winner will earn the right to face either Bullets or Wanderers in the final, with the ultimate prize of the FDH Bank Cup trophy at stake.

FAM’s careful selection of experienced and proven referees for these semifinal fixtures underscores the importance the association places on ensuring fair and professional officiating in crucial matches. Both Chinoko and Nkhakananga have demonstrated throughout their careers that they possess the temperament, experience, and decision-making ability required to manage high-pressure fixtures where emotions run high and every decision is scrutinized.

The supporting officials—assistant referees, fourth officials, and match assessors—also play crucial roles in ensuring that matches are conducted fairly and according to the laws of the game. Their collective experience and professionalism will be essential in managing what promises to be two intensely competitive semifinal encounters.

This weekend, all eyes will be on Blantyre and Lilongwe, where four of Malawi’s top clubs will battle for the right to contest the FDH Bank Cup final. With experienced officiating teams in place and everything to play for, football fans across the country can anticipate two compelling semifinals that will ultimately determine which two teams will compete for one of Malawian football’s most coveted trophies.