Silver Strikers have opened their season with a two nil victory over Chitipa United to kickstart their rebuilding and title charge under coach Peter Mponda.

From the first whistle by Eness Gumbo, who was assisted by Charles Lulaka and Zagalio Chimbulumata and Peter Jossam, Silver were determined to start the season on a high note as they went on the offensive from the first minute, piling pressure on Chitipa who were equally ready for the challenge.

With George Chikooka on his official debut, leading in Silver’s play from the back, the Bankers dominated possession on the wings as Chitipa did their best to clip Idana’s movements from the centre of the park.

After a barren 30 minutes, Silver went on attack from the right with Binwell Katinji who released Gift Chunga for a shot on goal. Chitipa, who had deployed an offside trap were caught in the process as an advancing Adwel Kadula tapped the rebound from Chunga’s cross to give the bankers a deserved lead.

Buoyed by the opening goal, Silver Strikers exerted control of the game, dictating the tempo and creating some half chances. Chitipa United, however, remained resilient up to half time.

As the second half began, Chitipa tried to push their way into the game, but nothing yielded for the Elvis Kafoteka side. 

On his competitive return to Silver, Binwell Katinji secured the second goal for Silver Strikers, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Adiel Kaduya who earned Mponda’s trust ahead of Duncan Nyoni.

Towards the end of the match, Mponda’s side displayed their trademark attacking flair and precision passing, at times disjointed, but promising to their fans of the great days that may come if the gods of football smile on them, again. 

Speaking to Wa Ganyu after the game, Mponda was happy but cautious when asked about the title.

“It’s too early to talk about the league, but I am happy with the boys performance”, said Mponda, who made his intention clear, to topple Bullets from the perch.

Meanwhile, Elvis Kafoteka, though disappointed with the result, took heart from their spirited display of his team and vowed to bounce back stronger in their next fixture. 

“Our target is to win the league. We can’t let one team continue dominating the game in the country”, said Kafoteka in what was a direct reference to FCB Nyasa big Bullets’ sweep of trophies in the 2023 season.