Standard Bank Cup returns with semi-final encounters

After a two-week break, the Standard Bank Knockout Cup returns in earnest on Mother’s Day (Thursday) with the first semi-final match between Big Bullets and Civo United at Kamuzu Stadium.
The second semi-final—pitting Blue Eagles and Be Forward Wanderers— is slated for Saturday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Bullets set the hype of the semi-final by spying on the civil servants in their TNM Super League match against Mzuni last Friday.
Bullets coach Mabvuto Lungu and technical director Billy Tewesa travelled to the capital to watch the match.
“They [Civo] have improved a lot and I reckon it will be a tough match, but all the same we are prepared,” said Tewesa.
The People’s Team has never won the Standard Bank Cup and are aiming at breaking the jinx this time around.
Burly forward Chiukepo Msowoya, Jaffalie Chande, Diverson Mlozi, Dalitso Sailesi and Yamikani Fodya are the men Civo should keep a wary eye on.
Civo’s coach Oscar Kaunda, whose side won the cup under veteran coach Alex Masanjala said they are set for the showsown.
“Bullets are favourites since they will be playing at home, but we will take the game to them,” said Kaunda.
Civo will bank their hopes on Nelson Kangunje and international defender John Lanjesi..