Castel challenge cup battleground drawn

The battle lines are getting clearer as teams prepare for an epic contest for the K55 million Castel Challenge Cup, with clubs set to begin the Round of 16 games in three weeks.

A draw conducted at Mpira Village in Blantyre revealed that Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC will encounter fellow TNM Super League title chasers, CrecK Sporting Club.

Meanwhile, Hilltop FC will face the Blantyre Blue Army’s city adversaries, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets or Changalume, in what is a daunting task for any team.

Other fixtures include Mighty Tigers, who will face either Mzuzu City Hammers or Kameme, while Civil Service United or Chimbiya Stars will battle Kamuzu Barracks.

On the other side, already qualified Fomo FC will meet the winners between Bangwe All Stars and Durban FC.

Karonga United’s opponent will be determined by either Moyale FC or Songwe Border United.

Dedza Dynamos will face MMF Marine, while Pathers are scheduled to face either Chitipa United or Afana Afana.
The winners will advance to the quarterfinals, where the competition will only intensify.

Gomezgani Zakazaka, FAM Competition and Communication Director, expressed excitement over the impressive performances displayed by underdog teams, citing the ousting of current TNM Super League leaders Silver Strikers from the competition on Tuesday, 5 November.

Zakazaka said: “As you have noted, we have played almost nine matches at the Round of 32 level, and next we have six matches left to play—some on Thursday, others over the weekend, and some next weekend. By then, we believe we will have concluded this phase, and we can move into the Round of 16.”

Lavern Chitakata, Castel Malawi’s Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications, commented on the draw, saying this year’s competition has exceeded their expectations as sponsors of the tournament.
“We are keen for people to come to the stadiums. As a brand, we are looking for the numbers, and this competition serves just that,” Chitakata said.

Fomo FC mentor Elvis Kafoteka said they will intensify preparations for whoever progresses between Bangwe and Durban.
“I know that the games are going to be very tough for the teams because there’s no club that is going to have an easy upper hand. We saw that yesterday,” Kafoteka said.

The final of the cup extravaganza is expected to culminate on 21st December, with an after-party scheduled for the competitors.