Airtel National Elite Cup Kicks Off, Defending Champs Bullets Face Civil
The tournament, sponsored by telecommunications company Airtel, is one of Malawi's premier football competitions.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced that the seventh season of the Airtel National Elite Knockout Cup will run from Sept. 14 to Nov. 3, with a total prize pool of K180 million, writes Pemphero Musowa.
Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will begin their title defence against Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium.
Bullets are coming off a loss to Blue Eagles in the FDH Bank Cup final, decided by penalties.
Key matchups include:
— Sept. 15: Mighty Mukuru Wanderers vs. Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium
— Sept. 15: Chitipa United vs. Kamuzu Barracks at Karonga Stadium
— Sept. 18: Silver Strikers vs. Dedza Dynamos at Silver Stadium
The quarterfinals' second legs will see Bangwe All Stars host Wanderers on Sept. 28, and Civil face Bullets on Sept. 29.
Semifinals are scheduled for Oct. 6-7, with the final set for Nov. 3.
Prize breakdown:
— Winners: 30 million kwacha ($27,500)
— Runners-up: 10 million kwacha ($9,200)
— All participating teams: 2.5 million kwacha ($2,300)
— Golden Boot winner: 1.5 million kwacha ($1,380)
— Player of the Tournament: 1 million kwacha ($920)
— Man of the Match (each game): 100,000 kwacha ($92)
The tournament, sponsored by telecommunications company Airtel, is one of Malawi's premier football competitions.