Silver to get at least MK1.2b from CAF if they beat Yanga to reach group stages

It will be do or die for Silver Strikers when they face Young Africans SC of Tanzania, with at least MK1.2 billion in prize money at stake.

The Central Bankers have navigated through the first round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers after seeing off Madagascar side Elgeco Plus FC in a tense two-legged affair.

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Etson Kadenge’s side managed a crucial 1-1 draw away from home in Mauritius last week before securing a 0-0 draw at home. The result saw them progress to the second round on the away goals rule.

Following their progression, Silver Strikers now face their most daunting challenge yet against formidable Young Africans Sporting Club of Tanzania. The Tanzanian giants demonstrated their continental class by dismantling Angola’s Williete FC with ruthless efficiency.

Yanga showcased their pedigree with a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory, following up an impressive 3-0 first-leg triumph in Angola with a controlled 2-0 victory at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The winner between the two teams will qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages, which comes with both pride and substantial monetary benefits.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), teams finishing at the bottom of their group will receive $700,000, the same as third-placed teams. Quarter-finalists will earn $900,000, while semi-finalists pocket $1.2 million.

The runners-up receive $2 million, and the tournament winners walk away with $4 million.

This means Silver Strikers will face the Tanzanian champions knowing that reaching the group stages alone guarantees at least $700,000 – approximately MK1.2 billion.

“Coach Confident Despite Challenge”

Head coach Kadenge Mwafulirwa said the team will prepare thoroughly for the clash scheduled for the weekend of October 17-19.

“Against Yanga SC will be a different game. We need to study how they play, and after studying them, we will come up with a plan depending on the quality of players that we have. These are the things we need to work on from now until we face them,” Mwafulirwa said.

Reflecting on his team’s performance so far, the coach identified areas for improvement: “Assessing our performance, in terms of defending we were perfect, but in terms of attacking, we were still lacking something in transition. These are things we need to look at as we prepare for the game.

“It seems we have a good team. I think we will maintain the squad we have and just polish up here and there.”

Silver Strikers will be hunting for their first-ever group stage appearance, while their opponents have established themselves as regular continental competitors. The match represents not just a financial opportunity but a chance to make history for Malawian football.

The Central Bankers know that victory over Yanga would not only secure their biggest-ever payday but also announce their arrival on African football’s biggest stage.