Silver Strikers co-coach Kadenge Mwafulirwa has vowed his team will not disappoint Malawian fans when they face Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC in Saturday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round clash.
The Central Bankers host the first leg at Bingu National Stadium, facing one of East Africa’s most decorated clubs in their quest to reach the 2024/2025 group stages.
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Mwafulirwa acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, with Yanga being regular participants in the competition’s latter stages, but insisted his side is mentally and tactically prepared for the battle.
“We are prepared knowing that we are playing against a very good team, Yanga FC from Tanzania. They have been in this competition for too long, so we are prepared very well and we are geared for the game,” Mwafulirwa said.
“It’s obvious that we are representing Malawi, and we are here not to let them down. We will try to make them happy at the end of the game.”
The coach emphasized that facing a team of Yanga’s caliber serves as motivation rather than intimidation for his players.
“We know that we are playing against a very good team which has got a big name and big players. That itself motivates us so that we can match them, and we are ready for that,” he said.
Silver Strikers failed to score in their home leg against Elgeco Plus in the previous round, but Mwafulirwa believes this tie requires a completely different approach.
“We didn’t score at home against Elgeco Plus last time, but we can’t talk much about that game. We are facing a new opponent, a different team, and the approach is going to be different. They are a very big team with runners, mature players, and quality players. We have to be at our best to match them.”
Using a striking metaphor to describe his team’s mindset, Mwafulirwa said: “When you are walking in life, you may find a lion in your way. There are two options: either to fight or to fight. The moment you decide to fight, the nerves tell the body that you have to fight.
“We know that we are playing against a big team. Our nerves are prepared to face them. We know that it’s a tough assignment, but again, we need to be on top of our game. That’s a must.”
The coach sees playing the first leg at home as a double-edged sword but chooses to focus on the positives.
“Starting at home is advantageous for us and also disadvantageous. But we will look at the positive side of it because we have got jersey number 12,” he said, referring to the home fans as the team’s 12th player. “Whatever we do, it will be a plus for us.”
Silver Strikers advanced to this stage after narrowly defeating Elgeco Plus FC of Madagascar on away goals, following a 1-1 draw in Mauritius and a goalless stalemate at home in Lilongwe.
The return leg will be played seven days later in Tanzania, with the winners progressing to the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.
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