All is set for the Presidential Cup semi-finals slated for Saturday in Blantyre and Mzuzu.
In Blantyre, Nyasa Big Bullets face defending champions Mafco at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre while Be Forward Wanderers travel to Mzuzu to face Moyale Barracks.
The winners, according to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions manager Gomezgani Zakzakaka will face-off on July 16. Wanderers is the only team to have won the national showcase twice, including the inaugural competition in 2009.
Bullets and current holders Mafco have won it once apiece while Moyale are gunning for their maiden title.
In a pre-match interview, Mafco coach Thomas Maloya said they are looking forward to defending the cup, they won two years ago when they beat Silver Strikers 10-9 in post-match penalties.
“It is going to be a difficult match because Bullets are a tough nut to crack when playing at home, but we are ready. “All my players are in shape and looking forward to this match,” said Maloya.
Bullets team manager Rahim Ishmael also predicted a tough encounter. “Mafco are a good side and it is not going to be an easy game, especially considering that we are coming from our first defeat of the season,” said Ishmael referring to last weekend’s shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of rookies Karonga United in a Super League match.
Bullets will bank their hopes on their hitman Chiukepo Msowoya and midfielders Mike Nkwate and Dalitso Sailesi while Richard Mbulu and Kalisto Kalinda are the men to watch in the soldiers camp.
The Moyale versus Wanderers encounter also promises a lot of thrills. Nomads team manager Stevie Madeira the match is of immense importance to his side.
“It will be a tough match, but knowing that moyale is the team that stands in our way to the finals, we are going to give it our all,” said Madeira. On the other hand, Moyale coach Collins Nkuna predicted that his team will said though.
“We are prepared for the match. We played Wanderers recently in a league game and we know what to expect from them and we are confident that come Saturday, we will cross the bridge,” said Nkuna.
In form Peter Wadabwa, midfield workhorse Rafique Mussa and Luka Milanzi are the men that will lead the blue side of town while Moyale has Gastin Simkonda, Crispin Fukizi and Kuda Muyawa.