Charity Shield Preview: Blantyre Giants Ready to Rumble

By: Andrew Cane Chilapondwa

The two Blantyre-based giants have travelled all the way from their base to Civo Stadium where they will battle it out for glory in the inaugural Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Chifundo Shield Cup on Saturday afternoon.

First of its kind, both teams will be looking forward to entertain their fans a week before the new season kicks off.

Big Bullets won the Super League last season whilst Mighty Wanderers won the Carlsberg Cup in the same season. The word ‘friendly match’ does not count when Bullets and Wanderers face off each other.

Last year, at the same venue, Wanderers recorded a 2-1 victory over Bullets in the Carlsberg Cup Final.

Civo Stadium has been a hunting ground for the Nomads who, for the past seasons, recorded some important victories be it in a cup or a league match.

However, Bullets have been enjoying their neighbors for the past six season, with the recent being back to back victories in the Super League last season. Without the injured Sankhani Mkandawire, the Super League Champions will rely heavily on George Nyirenda who will likely partner John Lanjesi and Yamikani Fodya at the back.

Based on the current form, the Nomads are favorites to beat their cross-town rivals considering their fine pre-season games. Mike Kaziputa, Rafique Namwera, Rafique Mussa and Jabulani Linje are some of the Nomads players to watch on the day.

On Wednesday, captains for both teams promised their respective fans of a victory after the end of 90 minutes. “There is no such a friendly match when we play Big Bullets so I am promising our fans victory after the end of 90 minutes,” said Nomads Captain, Francis Mulimbika.

His opposite number Chiukepo Msowoya said he was optimistic of repeating what his side did to the Nomads last season.

“We can do a repeat of last season where we had positive results over of rivals, especially in the league. I am encouraging our fans to come out in their large numbers to support us,” he said.

Apart from the showdown, the two camps have also urged all their fans to donate blood in order to save lives.

For the first time in Malawian football history, FAM has partnered Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) with the aim of mobilizing well-wishers to donate blood to the needy. 

It’s time for Blantyre derby; it’s time to save lives.