Elia Kananji eyeing another Carlsberg trophy
Be Forward Wanderers coach Elia Kananji is hoping to enter into history books as the first coach to win the Carlsberg Cup twice as the 2015 edition round of 16 battles resume this weekend.
The Nomads invade Mzuzu to face Northern Region side Chilumba Barracks tomorrow at the Mzuzu Stadium.
Wanderers beat Max Bullets 2-1 in the preliminary round at the Kalulu Stadium in Nchalo thanks to Rafiq Mussa and Mapopa Kaunda goals.
Kannaji will miss the services of Jabulani Linje who is nursing a thigh injury.
Kananji, who led Big Bullets to the 2014 Carlsberg Cup glory after beating Zomba United in the final, said he was not underrating Chilumba Barracks.
“All is well in our camp and actually, after finishing the first round of TNM Super League last week, we re-grouped on Tuesday of start our preparations,” he said.
“Everybody is aware that the play is good but we are misfiring upfront. I had time with the strikers and if they do what I have told them, I am sure we will progress.”
Meanwhile, coach for Chilumba Barracks, Kazizwa Banda, said he was confident that his boys were capable of producing an upset against Wanderers after they did the same with Super League side Fisd Wizards.
“I have been with the boys for two years now in the Simama League. We want to prove that we can make it into the last eight,” Banda said.
“I know the Nomads will need a victory at all cost and we are also seeking victory as well. It will be an exciting match and I am sure the best team will win.”
After tomorrow’s game attention will shift to Blantyre where defending champions Big Bullets host Silver Strikers Reserves at Kamuzu Stadium.
In another exciting game, Moyale Barracks face fellow soldiers, Red Lions at the Zomba Community Centre.
Moyale coach Nicholas Mhango said the trip to the old Capital City would be tough.
“It has been a long time since we won a cup and the journey starts today but we are ready for them,” said Mhango.
His counterpart, Collins Nkuna, admitted that it would be tough.
“We are facing a side that has got a full squad. As you are aware, our eight players were banned in the Super League, but we are still getting the momentum and we will play according to our game plan,” Nkuna said.
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