Peter Mgangira explains Maxwell Paipi’s positional switch against Karonga United

Silver Strikers manager Peter Mgangira lauded the versatility of Maxwell Paipi after the dependable center-back successfully transitioned into a midfield role, helping the Bankers secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Karonga United on Wednesday. The win propelled Silver Strikers into the top five of the league table.

The positional switch for Paipi, a stalwart for both Silver Strikers and the Malawi National Team, was necessitated by an injury to defensive midfielder Chikondi Kamanga. Mgangira opted to push Paipi forward, where he partnered with Chimwemwe Idana and Uchizi Vunga in the central midfield. Innocent Shema stepped into central defense alongside Nixon Mwase, with Macdonald Lameck and Dan Sandukira filling the full-back positions.

“No, sometimes it can be due to injuries, but sometimes it depends on the strength of an opposition,” Mgangira explained after the game. “This is not the first time for Maxwell Paipi to play as a number 6; previously, he used to play as a number 6. So, when a team has versatile players who can play in multiple positions, it helps. It gives you an advantage in times of injuries.”

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Mgangira further emphasized Paipi’s natural aptitude for the role. “We are happy to have a player like Maxwell. I think those who play as number 6 have seen how he has performed; it’s a wake-up call to them.”

The match at Silver Stadium saw Chinsisi Maonga give the defending champions a vital lead just before halftime. However, Karonga United responded early in the second half through a Patrick Phiri penalty. Undeterred, the Bankers regained their lead courtesy of Chimwemwe Idana, with Festus Duwe sealing a dominant 3-1 win for the home side.

Mgangira also highlighted the integration of youngster Lasuli Jali, who was given valuable playing minutes. “He is a young player whom we want to build by giving him few minutes, test the heat of the game. He has potential to become one of the good players. He is learning, well disciplined.”

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Mgangira stated, “We will take it game by game. This is one of the best games that we have played this season. They played fluid football, we have to give praise to them, they scored three goals, but that doesn’t mean that Karonga are a bad side, they are a good side only that today, we were better than them.” He added, “We have to take points at home and we are happy with the win.”

The impressive victory lifts Silver Strikers to fifth place with 15 points from 8 matches. Their focus now shifts to a highly anticipated weekend encounter against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, a match that will be part of the First Capital Bank’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Karonga United in sixth place, also with 15 points from 8 games. They will now prepare for a challenging league fixture against Mighty Wanderers FC on Sunday in Karonga.