4 South teams to battle in Sapita preseason tourney
Four Southern Region sides are expected to take part in a two-day preseason tournament which has been dubbed Sapitwa Tourney.
The tournament will attract TNM Super League teams namely Mighty Tigers (from Blantyre), Red Lions (from Zomba), Dedza Dynamos (from Dedza) and debutants Bangwe All Stars.
Lead Organiser Chimwemwe Nyirenda, who is Super League of Malawi (Sulom) Executive Member, said the tournament will be held at Mulanje Park Stadium in Mulanje during Easter Holidays from April 7 to 8.
“I have embarked on this initiative as part of my promises to the clubs before I was re-elected Sulom Executive Member,” he said.
Nyirenda said the tournament will help the teams fine-tune before the season kicks off.
“As we are all aware, most of the clubs do not prepare well, especially before the new season kicks off. I made a promise that I would assist the clubs to prepare well, hence organising these preseason matches.
“We deliberately decided to stage these matches just a week before the season kick-off so that these clubs’ coaches should have the opportunity to use their possible first team players by trying out different combinations, among other tactics,” he said.
Nyirenda said the tournament matches will have a unique format to encourage clubs to score more goals and supporters to enjoy penalty shootouts.
Meanwhile, the selected teams are excited ahead of the preseason tournament.
Bangwe owner Mphatso Jika said the tournament will help them assess their squad.
“Our supporters and other stakeholders will know where we stand,” he said.
Dynamos General Secretary Mabvuto Mugode said they will be cautious during the tournament to avoid injuries.
“So far, our preparations have been good. We will tread carefully to avoid sustaining injuries,” he said.
On his part, Lions General Secretary Davie Gondwe said they would confirm their participation by Wednesday.
