Malawi’s Silver Strikers will face Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga SC) tomorrow at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam in the return leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, carrying a crucial 1-0 advantage.
The Bankers head into the decisive match with momentum from the first leg played at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, where Andrew Joseph netted the only goal to give his side the edge.
Silver Strikers coach Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation ahead of the challenging away fixture.
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“The boys are ready and hungry to play. We are expecting a positive result,” Kadenge said.
Despite Yanga’s decision to allow fans into the stadium for free—a move expected to create an intimidating atmosphere—Kadenge remains unfazed.
“We came to play against players, not fans. We have played in such environments before and we will manage,” he said.
Team captain Chikondi Kamanga echoed his coach’s optimism, emphasizing the squad’s determination to represent Malawi with pride.
“Playing Yanga gives us motivation. We are ready and we will fight for the team,” Kamanga said.
The stakes are high, with the winner advancing to the group stages of the CAF Champions League, Africa’s premier club competition. A draw would be sufficient for Silver Strikers to progress on aggregate.
Before Silver Strikers left Malawi, on Wednesday the Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor Dr. McDonald Mafuta Mwale threw his weight behind Silver Strikers. In a motivational address to the squad, Dr. Mafuta Mwale urged the players to approach the match with confidence and ambition.
“I have encouraged the players to cast away fear and embrace their status as big boys. Playing at this stage demonstrates that they belong at this level, and they should always aim to compete, not just participate,” the Governor said.
Dr. Mafuta Mwale reaffirmed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to the team, pledging continued financial support to meet the club’s evolving needs.
“One thing for sure is that we will continue supporting the team. They have raised concerns about aligning our budget with current living standards, and we will conduct a review to ensure it reflects current economic realities,” he said.
The Governor also cautioned the players against complacency despite their first-leg advantage.
“I told the boys not to relax because the job is not yet done. However, it’s now on them to perform and secure passage to the group stages of the competition,” Dr. Mafuta Mwale added.
The Bankers will pocket 700, 000 US dollars should they progress to the group stage of the prestigious competition.
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