Silver Strikers, Mafco Set for Pre-Season Friendly
Football analyst Willy Chabwinja said despite it being pre-season, supporters still expect an entertaining, highly anticipated clash between the two popular sides.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Silver Strikers will face off against Mafco FC in an eagerly anticipated pre-season friendly match at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday afternoon as both teams prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 season, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
For new Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mponda, the match against the soldiers is an important test ahead of their ambitions, though he is not putting too much pressure on his players yet.
"It is important to set standards, after working hard for the past four weeks," said Mponda, who will lead the team for the first time.
"We believe we are getting closer to where we want, hence we want to measure ourselves against a very good Mafco team."
Mponda praised Mafco's consistency last season when they reached two cup finals, despite struggling in the league.
"They play good football, are physically and technically very good and are also coached by a very good coach," he said.
Mafco team manager Godfrey Makawano described the match as "the best platform to prepare the team ahead of the new campaign considering how both teams play whenever they face each other."
Football analyst Willy Chabwinja said despite it being pre-season, supporters still expect an entertaining, highly anticipated clash between the two popular sides.
"Friendly matches are designed to help new signings and established players blow out the cobwebs," he said.
The return to training is in line with the standard six-week pre-season teams require to prepare for the new TNM Super League campaign, which kicks off for all 16 clubs in a matter of weeks.