The 2025/2026 season gets underway on Saturday as Super League champions Silver Strikers take on Castel Challenge cup winners Mighty Wanderers in the NBS Bank Charity Shield at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
For the first time since the competition started in 2016 there will be a new winner as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who won all the seven previous editions are out of the picture.
Wanderers head coach, Bob Mpinganjira, believes the match presents a valuable opportunity to assess his squad’s readiness, particularly the newly recruited players.
“It will be a good game as it allows us to see how the new signings are blending with the old players. It will be a tough match, but we are prepared. We are aiming for nothing but a win on Saturday. There is no pressure, but we have spoken to the players about taking this game seriously,” said Mpinganjira.
On the other hand, Silver Strikers’ head coach, Peter Mgangira, anticipates a strong challenge from Wanderers, considering their new signings.
“It’s always a great match when we play Wanderers. I expect to face a transformed side since they have brought in several new players, just like we have. This game will help us assess our squad combinations ahead of the new season. I knew when I signed as coach that I would be working under pressure, but that is how I will grow in this role. Winning my first game will be crucial as it will boost the players’ confidence,” Mgangira explained.
Proceeds from the match will be channelled toward charitable causes to be announced in due course.
In previous editions, FAM and NBS Bank extended support to Tropical Cyclone Freddy victims, Mua School for the Deaf, and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
