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Some TNM Super League clubs have hailed Super League of Malawi (Sulom) for banning free entry of spectators, popularly referred to as ‘malova’, towards the end of TNM Super League matches. Sulom has also banned the sale of alcoholic drinks. In separate interviews, Mighty Wanderers chief executive officer (CEO) Panganeni Ndovi and Bullets acting CEO Albert Chigoga applauded Sulom for the move, saying it will boost safety at football matches. Said Ndovi: “Sulom has demonstrated a great and positive move in addressing security and safety concerns during football matches, a critical aspect of the game that aligns with international best practices. “It is high time we ensure that our match organisation and safety standards are fully aligned with Fifa provisions and global benchmarks.” Ndovi said the safety of players, officials, and supporters must always remain a top priority “if we are to grow the game to professional and internationally acceptable levels”. On his part, Chigoga described it as a great move. “This guarantees water-tight safety and security for all planning to watch matches,” he said. Sulom’s decision came barely three days before the most sought-after fixture on the domestic scene which features age-old rivals Bullets and Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre tomorrow. In an interview, Sulom vice-president Ronald Chiwaula said failure to abide by the ban will lead to confistication of the alcoholic beverages “and in the worst circumstances, it will lead to arrests and prosecution in accordance with the law””. CAF CHAMPS LEAGUE GARRY CHIRWA Sports Editor Silver Strikers are within touching distance of hitting a minimum $700 000 (about K1.2 billion) jackpot if they see off Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga) SC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam this evening. The Bankers go into the second preliminary round second leg with a spring in their step, having won the first leg 1-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. Teams that will punch their tickets to the group stages are assured of K1.2 billion which will be the prizes for the teams that will finish in the bottom two, those that will make it to the quarter-finals will pocket K1.5 billion each. The champions will cart home $4 million (about K7 billion) with the runners-up taking home K3.5 billion. The semi-finalists will get $1.2 million (about K2.1 billion). The Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored outfit flew into Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam on Thursday evening ahead of the swim-or-sink showdown. In an interview yesterday, Silver head coach Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa said while they anticipate a tough encounter and an intimidating atmosphere, they are set for the battle. He said: “We are aware that it’s not going to be easy. The hosts will do everything to frustrate us, we know they are going to paint the stadium yellow and green. “But we are ready for them. We have come up with a good strategy which if executed to perfection, we will sail through.” Kadenge said the plan is to score first so as to unsettle Yanga. “If we can score first, then the pressure will pile up on them and we can build on that,” he said. Sounding unfazed, the Bankers gaffer also said they will not sit back despite playing away. He said: “We are up against a formidable side with good pacy attackers and, therefore, we will have to be cautious. “But that doesn’t mean we will be defensive because in so doing, we will be creating pressure for ourselves.” On the other hand, Yanga’s Malawian interim coach Patrick ‘General’ Mabedi believes they have done enough to turn the tables. The immediate-past Flames coach reiterated that he is not losing sleep that he has taken charge of the Citizens at such a crucial stage. Mabedi, who was inially hired as an assistant coach, was appointed interim coach hours after Yanga fired Romain Folz following the first leg defeat. He said: “We analysed the first match and saw where we fell short, but it’s still game on. “Look, we are down, but this game isn’t finished. We are just half-way through. “We have plenty of chances to do well. This team has a history of making the group stage and beyond in CAF tournaments and we want to maintain that.” Mabedi also said his troops have recovered from the first leg loss andare raring to go this evening. The Tanzanian giants has declared free entry at the 60 000-seater stadium in bid to boost support for the home team. Silver will bank their hopes on their man-of-the-moment Uchizi Vunga, who has been the conductor of their otchestra. Their arsenal also include scorer of the lone goal in the first leg Andrew Joseph and Binwell Katinji upfront, Zebron Kalima and captain Chikondi Kamanga in midfield with McDonald Lameck and Maxwell Paipi attacking from wing defence. On the other hand, Yanga’s key men include strikers Pacôme Zouzoua, Clement Mzize and Maxi Nzengeli and midfielders Mudathir Yahya and Clatous Chama. If Silver win, they will become the second Malawian team to qualify for the group stages of the elite African club competition after FCB Nyasa Bullets, who made the grade in 2004. To qualify for the second preliminary round, Silver booted out Malagasy side Elgeco Plus on away goal rule after playing out a one-all draw away in Mauritius before a goalless draw in the return match. Yanga ousted Angola side Williete 5-0 on aggregate after a 3-0 win away that was followed by a 2-0 victory at home. The match kicks off at 6 pm local time and will be shown on Azam TV.
