The Bankers, Silver Strikers have drawn positive lessons from their 3-2 victory over FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a curtain raiser match for the much anticipated 2023 Castle Challenge Cup.

The remarks were made by Assistant Coach for Silver Strikers, Tawonga Chimodzi in a post-match interview on Saturday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe after the ceremonial match.

Chimodzi expressed satisfaction with the performance of non-regular players as well as the entire team for playing according to plan.

“A majority of players that played well today haven’t been featuring in the super league therefore the technical team should have a headache on team selection in the upcoming games.”

“When you are leading 2-0 there is always excitement among the players so it’s the responsibility of our technical team to work on the psychology of the lads to avoid come back attempts as done by Bullets today,’ Chimodzi said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Coach for Bullets, Peter Mponda said the team’s biggest blow was injury to midfielder Mike Mkwate who was stretched off pitch late in the second half.

“We are not looking at the result, Mkwate’s injury is the biggest disappointment and the doctors will be in a better position to talk about the nature of the injury,”

“We respected and gave them too much room to play hence they were a threat on the counter attack but apart from that I think we were the better team, this was an important game and we needed to win,” Mponda said.

Silver Strikers scored first in additional time of the first half through Tathedwa Willard’s strike before Uchizi Vunga doubled the lead in the 54 th minute.

Nyasa Bullet’s Substitute, Hassan Kajoke made it 2-1 in the 70 th minute with Precious Phiri leveling the scores on the 80 th minute while Vunga’s brace in the 82 nd minute sealed the win for Silver Strikers.

The official launch of the Castel challenge cup lived up to the billing with a vibrant turn up from football fanatics including supporters of the people’s team and the Bankers.

The Malawi Defense force band showcased their signature performance, parading the scintillating Ibongetse trophy before top goal scorer in the 2023 women’s Italian Seria A with Inter Milan, Tabitha Chawinga and Miss Malawi 2022 Jescar Mponda officially unveiled the trophy.

The Castel Challenge Cup has a sponsorship of MK320 Million per year, with MK750, 000 awarded to 31 district winners, MK1 Million towards 17 regional qualifying teams and MK50 Million for the overall winner.

Written By: Twimepoki Mangani - MANA