Wa Ganyu
Malawians always wait for these moments. To see their flag and hear their national anthem proudly on the continental stage. Today, that dream is on the shoulders of Silver Strikers, the Central Bankers who, after years of chasing and playing second fiddle, finally reclaimed the TNM Super League crown last season.
It was not just talent or tradition, or Peter Mponda’s tantrums on the touchline that fired their comeback. The partnership with Betway Malawi gave the team the lifeline it needed, resources to strengthen the squad, and the belief that The Central Bankers could once again be champions.
That belief of the brand turned into reality, and now it has propelled them to Africa’s biggest football platform, the CAF Champions League.
Can they live the dream?
Now coached by Peter Mgangira, a club legend whose name is written deep in Malawi’s football history, the Bankers are finding their feet and heartbeat. But in the Champions league, it is their Assistant Coach Etson Kadenge who will be in charge due to his superior CAF qualifications.
While their start to this season’s league campaign was shaky, the Central Bankers are rediscovering their rhythm, collecting points and now safely into the top four.
That resilience may become useful for the uncharted waters that await them in Mauritius where the team will play a CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg match against Elgeco Plus FC from Madagascar on Sunday.
Their clash against Elgeco Plus is more than just a football tie, it is a chance for Malawians everywhere to dream again.
Today, the Bankers have departed, with the opening leg set to be played in Mauritius as Madagascar does not have a qualified stadium to host Bankers. Hopefully, this time, Confederation Cup ghosts of 2018 will not haunt them.
In 2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup, Bankers were eliminated in the preliminary round by Gabonese team, Cercle Mbéri Sportif after 1–1 aggregate ended to a 4–3 loss on penalties
“Malawians will be watching closely, not just as fans of the Central Bankers, but as a country eager to see one of its own clubs rise and make a name on the continent. Silver Strikers is proof that with the right support, Malawian football can dream bigger,” said Lauren Donga, Betway Malawi’s Interim Manager.
“Betway is a brand built on winning. And we hope all Malawians will rally behind the Bankers while they play away, and show up for the home game on the 27th,” he said, adding that Betway Malawi was planning a number of promotions and giveaways to the fans to watch the return leg.
On his part, Silver Strikers coach, Peter Mgangira said his charges will do the best they can to get an away result and progress in the competition while his chief executive officer, Patrick Chimimba, thanked all local teams that have wished the Bankers well on their continental journey.
